FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2020
Contact: Hannah Packman, 303-819-8737
hpackman@nfudc.org
WASHINGTON – Four and half months after the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act stalled in the Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an amended version of the legislation.
The $2.2 trillion stimulus package incorporates many provisions National Farmers Union (NFU) members requested during the organization’s recent legislative fly-in, including support for local and regional meat processing, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), farm stress programs, and nutrition assistance. In a statement, NFU President Rob Larew voiced support for the legislation and urged the Senate to quickly move forward with its final passage.
“Throughout the pandemic, Congress and the USDA have worked to provide family farmers and ranchers with the help they need, for which we are extremely grateful. Just a few days ago, the Senate passed a continuing resolution that would replenish the Commodity Credit Corporation, which funds a number of farm support programs. This follows last week’s announcement that there will be a second tranche of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments, with important changes to cover more farmers.
“These efforts have gone a long way to keep farmers afloat amidst market uncertainty and supply chain disruptions. But the farm economy doesn’t exist in a vacuum – its strength depends on the strength of the economy at large and the wellbeing of the American people, which is why Farmers Union has pushed for another economic stimulus package. As such, we applaud the Heroes Act, particularly many of the adjustments that have been made since it was initially introduced in May.
“One important addition is the RAMP-UP Act, which will help small- and mid-sized meat processing plants cover the cost of federal inspection. Farmers and ranchers have long experienced a severe shortage of meat processing facilities– and it has only gotten worse during the pandemic when several large plants shut down or slowed production. By expanding alternative processing options, this important provision would establish greater resilience in our meat supply chain. Additionally, the Heroes Act would bolster other critical rural infrastructure, including the U.S. Postal Service, mental health care, and covid-19 testing and tracing.
“We are similarly pleased by the inclusion of several measures that would protect food chain workers, food businesses, and food security. For one, the bill allocates $120 billion to assist the restaurant industry, which has been especially hard-hit. It also would strengthen safety standards for slaughterhouses, poultry processing plants, and agricultural workplaces, where there is a higher risk of contracting covid-19. And finally, the Heroes Act would help more Americans feed their families by expanding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The health of our food system, from farm to plate, is only as strong as its weakest link – we appreciate the House’s consideration for every stakeholder.
“Though unemployment rates remain high and business closures have multiplied, most individuals and businesses have not received any relief for many months now. There is simply no more time to waste – to preserve our economy and ensure the wellbeing of every American, the Senate and the White House must act quickly to come to a final agreement on a stimulus package.”
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About NFU
National Farmers Union advocates on behalf of nearly 200,000 American farm families and their communities. We envision a world in which farm families and their communities are respected, valued, and enjoy economic prosperity and social justice.
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