GREEN BAY, Wis. — Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative and the Dairy Business Association issued a statement today after U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced plans for financial help for farmers hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the plan laid out Friday evening, dairy farmers will receive $2.9 billion of $16 billion in direct payments to various commodities, and the government will buy $3 billion of produce, dairy and meat, including $100 million in dairy products per month, for food assistance programs.
Edge and DBA advocated for both parts.
STATEMENT
As the pandemic continues to wreak havoc on our economy, millions of Americans cannot afford food, many for the first time in their lives, and our farmers who produce this food are struggling to survive financially. This federal assistance will be a bridge for both.
The dedication of our farmers to the well-being of America has never been more evident as our nation combats COVID-19. Day in and day out, they are tirelessly stepping up so that families have safe, wholesome and affordable food.
We thank the USDA for supporting us in this critical mission.