Farmers to Get USDA Relief Aid by May End
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins told senators that the department will launch an application portal before the end of May to distribute nearly $21 billion in disaster aid.
The funds are meant to support farmers recovering from storms, droughts, and other disasters in 2023 and 2024.
The program includes $2 billion set aside specifically for livestock producers. Rollins noted the design is more complex than previous programs due to fewer legislative guidelines. However, she assured the aid will mirror prior successful models like WHIP.
Rollins also reported that over $7.3 billion has been paid to 472,000 producers through ECAP since March, with an additional $5 billion still under review from frozen programs.
Senators voiced concern about $4.6 billion in USDA budget cuts, especially those affecting staffing, ARS research, and local food programs. Rollins said USDA has no current plans to shut down FSA offices and recently signed a memo preventing buyouts for key field roles like APHIS and Forest Service firefighters.
On staff changes, Rollins said only 15% of employees accepted voluntary resignations, and the agency loses about 10,000 staff annually due to attrition.
“The decision to cancel these vital programs only hurts families trying to put food on the table,” said Sen. Tammy Baldwin, criticizing cuts to programs like LFPA and LFS.
Rollins defended the cuts, saying states had leftover funds and that USDA still spends $400 million daily on nutrition programs.
Rollins also hinted at USDA reorganization, possibly moving some operations out of Washington, D.C., to better serve rural communities.