American farmers have been hit particularly hard by the Coronavirus crisis.
In response, Trump has announced additional stimulus aid for farms. This is also about keeping food on American tables.
Reuters reports:
U.S. announces $19 billion coronavirus aid for farmers, food buys for poor
President Donald Trump on Friday announced a $19 billion relief program to help U.S. farmers cope with the impact of the coronavirus, including $16 billion in direct payments to producers and mass purchases of meat, dairy, vegetables and other products.
The U.S. Agriculture Department is partnering with regional and local distributors to purchase $3 billion in such farm goods to be distributed to food banks, churches and aid groups as millions of Americans face unemployment with much of the economy shut down.
“American agriculture has been hard-hit, like most of America, with the coronavirus, and President Trump is standing with our farmers and all Americans to make sure that we all get through this national emergency,” Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said at a White House news conference.
The agency said it will make monthly purchases totaling about $100 million each of fresh produce, dairy products and meat products. Perdue said USDA will work with companies like Sysco Corp (SYY.N) to help procure, package and distribute food boxes…
Farmers and ranchers have struggled to get their goods to market because of disruption caused by the pandemic, forcing some to throw out food and call for government help.
Trump discussed this during his presser on Friday.
.@SecretarySonny and @USDA will be implementing a $19 billion relief program for our great farmers and ranchers! pic.twitter.com/w1TZDOnNMn
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 17, 2020
Our farmers have been hit hard by the Coronavirus outbreak—but they won't weather this alone.
More from @SecretarySonny: pic.twitter.com/XD7vsSt4qa
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 17, 2020
🚨🚨@USDA will be providing $19billion to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by COVID-19. Thanks @realDonaldTrump for your unwavering support for 🇺🇸 Agriculture.
— Sec. Sonny Perdue (@SecretarySonny) April 17, 2020
We will get through this.
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