Officials introduce new legislation to support agricultural industries

(KEYC) — Rep. Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) and a bipartisan coalition of U.S. House members introduced legislation Friday to sustain farmers and agriculture-businesses in order to maintain America’s food supply.

The bill, whose lead sponsor is Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08), would authorize the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expend as much as $50 billion to help farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The legislation also would raise the cap for Commodity Credit Corporation expenditures and waive payment limitations.

“While the administration’s announcement to utilize $19 billion for farmers is a much needed first step, there is still much work to be done to help our farmers, ranchers and producers maintain operations,” said Hagedorn.“The current situation is especially dire for our livestock industry. I am proud of the bipartisan nature and thoughtfulness of our bill. Southern Minnesotans can count on me to fight for America’s farmers and our rural way of life.”

Congressman Jim Hagedorn says losses in pork, cattle and dairy reaching upward of $20 billion are being noticed.

Elected officials say they recognize the losses in the agricultural industries and some say the money set aside in the first Coronavirus Stimulus package for America’s farmers and ranchers may not be enough.

Rep. Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) says losses in pork, cattle and dairy reaching upward of $20 billion are being noticed.

Hagedorn said there’s been a slight uptick in exports recently, but the focus is still on the domestic market as the closures of restaurants and processing plants are tampering with the overloaded farm to table system.

“I just met with House Agriculture Committee Chairman [Collin] Peterson and ranking Republican [Mike] Conaway and our whole team, and we’re going to be supportive of more funding and support of our farmers in southern Minnesota, especially our livestock farmers who are on the brink,” Hagedorn explained.

Hagedorn said he’s also looking for ways the USDA and FEMA can use existing authority to benefit and assist the livestock markets.