CARES Act

Senate Finance Chairman Chuck Grassley said last week he is confident there will be additional help for farming in what will likely be the last major pandemic stimulus bill. While he’s confident that Congress could pass such legislation quickly, he’s less confident of the amount. When it c ...

Agriculture is making a big funding request to Congress in an expected final COVID-19 stimulus bill. But what can farmers expect when many in D.C. and on Main Street are calling for restraint? While it’s likely the last major legislation before the election, Senate Republicans don’t appear to be interested in the kind of multi-trillion-dollar coronavirus-stimulus bills favored by House Democrat

On Tuesday, several lawmakers, including Central Washington’s Dan Newhouse sent a letter to Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue asking, that apple growers be included in coronavirus relief. The bipartisan letter, signed by 25 members of Congress, calls on the USDA to provide CARES Act funds for the apple industry. ...

When the CARES Act was passed, it was done so to help offset the financial damage done to the Ag industry at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, such as the cancellation of contracts, and the closure of international destinations. But the effects of the pandemic continue to be felt for many commodities across the Northwest and across the country ...

Senator Chuck Grassley expects another coronavirus aid package, despite a surprisingly good jobs report last week and recoveries in a variety of ag sectors. The Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee said the price of corn is still way down, which could be offset some by renewed economic activity ...

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says the agency will make up to $1 billion in loan guarantees available to help rural businesses meet their working capital needs during the coronavirus pandemic. In addition Ag producers who aren’t eligible for FSA loans may receive funding under the USDA Business and Industry CARES Act Program provisions that are included in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic S

On Tuesday, the Trump administration announced details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers. Starting May 26th, the Department of Agriculture will accept applications from farmers who have suffered losses of 5% or more ...

A large group of U.S. Senators wants relief for local and rural broadcasters and newspapers. More than 70 Senators signed a letter to the Trump administration regarding local media, following a similar letter last week. The lawmakers say that in many rural areas, broadcast stations are the predominant or only form of local information ...

It’s estimated that in the month of April, 1.6 million Washingtonians relied on their local food bank in some fashion. That figure is expected to cross the two million mark during the month of May. As the fight against the coronavirus continues and with many people out of work, or unable to get into work, food banks statewide have been stretched thin. ...

Commodities across the country are hurting because of the coronavirus pandemic. And while the federal government is prepared to spend billions to help farmers and producers through this unprecedented time, many are concerned it won’t be enough. ...