On March 4, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins delivered remarks to hundreds of local leaders at the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference in Washington DC. There, she discussed rural prosperity, economic aid distribution, and the Farm Bill. She announced that applications for $10 billion in economic aid, part of the newly established Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (E-CAP), will open by March 20. This program is part of the $30 billion Congress approved in December, with the remaining $20 billion earmarked for disaster relief for farmers impacted by severe weather. Secretary Rollins also stressed the importance of passing a full five-year Farm Bill this year, noting her commitment to work with Congress to avoid another extension and give farmers the long-term certainty they need. Looking forward, she previewed a new initiative aimed at revitalizing rural communities, with a focus on improving USDA programs; encouraging private-sector solutions like satellite internet and healthcare improvements; and giving more decision-making power to local leaders.
For more information, contact RCRC Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Mary-Ann Warmerdam.