USDA Crop Purchases Pt 2

USDA Crop Purchases Pt 2

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
I’m Bob Larson. News that the USDA will spend $470-million to purchase certain crops, impacted by the slowing of the supply chain during this coronavirus pandemic, is welcome news for many northwest crops.

U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse says this is welcome news during these very difficult time for the ag industry …

NEWHOUSE … “A lot of farmers are struggling. There’s a lot of anxiety out there in ag country as you can imagine. Our markets are unsettled as we move closer into harvesting of many of the that we producer here in the state of Washington. Some certainty along the way, certainly is welcome news so I applaud the Department of Agriculture for their announcement.”

But with a consensus that more funding will be needed, Newhouse says …

NEWHOUSE … “I absolutely agree. Agriculture is a huge industry and our food supply is a national security issue. And, I think proportionally the agricultural industry has not received the amount of support to this pandemic as other parts of the economy.”

So more funding, Newhouse says it’s very possible …

NEWHOUSE … “There is a lot of conversation right now in Congress to increase the resources made available. So, I think that we will see further action directed toward the agricultural industry.”

Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says USDA is in a unique position to purchase these foods and deliver them to hungry Americans who need it most.

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