Farmer Aid in the CARES Act and More News

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Taylor in Farming Resources, Funding, Policy, Politics // 0 Comments

Farmer Aid in the CARES Act, COVID-19 Impact on Local Food Markets, Grant Funding for Farmers Markets and Local Food Projects, Spring 2020 Funding Opportunities, and More news from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition…

A Closer Look at Farmer Aid in the CARES Act Pandemic Aid Package

Just before midnight on Wednesday, the Senate unanimously passed (96-0) the CARES Act (S.3548), a more than $2.2 trillion aid bill as part of the ongoing response to the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to direct payments to most Americans, expanded unemployment insurance, and assistance to hospitals, the bill also includes specific provisions targeting farmers and food insecurity. The most significant farmer aid in the CARES Act is the creation of a new $9.5 billion disaster relief program for specialty crop growers, livestock and dairy producers, and producers that supply local food systems. While NSAC is pleased with the influx of cash to aid growers, the lack of specifics in the bill presents a significant challenge in implementation. NSAC will continue to work with our members to develop both criteria to guide the implementation of the new relief program and additional proposals to improve the next relief bill currently taking shape in the House. READ MORE

COVID-19 Economic Impact on Local Food Markets

Among the businesses facing losses as a result of COVID-19 are the farms and ranches that sell through local and regional food markets. Social distancing measures will result in significant shifts in where food is sold or acquired, ultimately affecting the markets for farms and ranches. This economic impact assessment was compiled earlier this month for NSAC. The analysis found that across key local and regional markets, there could be a decline of up to a $688.7 million in sales leading to a payroll decline of up to $103.3 million, and a total loss to the economy of up to $1.32 billion from March to May 2020. READ MORE

$27 million in Grant Funding Available for Farmers Markets and Local Food Projects

On March 9, 2020 USDA’s AMS announced the availability of $27 million in funding for FMLFPP. Two separate RFAs are available for the two components of FMLFPP – FMPP and LFPP. FMPP supports projects that have a direct farmer-to-consumer focus, including farmers markets, CSAs, roadside farm stands and agritourism. LFPP seeks to develop and expand local and regional food business enterprises to increase access to locally produced foods and develop new market opportunities for local producers. The deadline to apply for both grants is May 26, 2020 (extended from May 11, 2020 due to COVID-19). READ MORE

RFA Roundup: Spring 2020 Funding Opportunities

In order to help you cut through the chaos and keep track of the deadlines that matter to your food and farm businesses and organizations, NSAC has put together a summary of currently active RFAs as part of our ongoing efforts to help farmers and advocates stay up to date with federal policy and funding opportunities. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, several deadlines have been extended. This post has been updated with extended deadlines and additional programs with active RFAs. New programs added to the roundup include some SARE grants, REAP, FMLFPP, RFSP, and RCPP’s AFA. Programs with deadline extensions include BFRDP, various AFRI Foundational subporgrams, REAP, FMLFPP, and RFSP. READ MORE

RELEASE: NSAC Applauds First Step Toward Aid for Farmers in Senate Pandemic Package

This week, Senate leadership announced a bipartisan deal on a new comprehensive aid package responding to the expanding COVID-19 pandemic. The bill includes $9.5 billion in emergency funding to aid producers impacted by the ongoing crisis – including producers selling into local and regional markets. READ MORE

NSAC is Hiring!

Are you passionate about creating a more just, sustainable food and farm future? Are you an organizer with a commitment to grassroots leadership? Want to help build national grassroots campaigns around issues like climate change, local food, and beginning farmers, and explore how these issues intersect with racial equity? Are you a creative communicator excited to translate complex policy work into compelling narratives? NSAC is hiring for multiple roles:

Grassroots Director: This role represents a unique opportunity to work with hundreds of sustainable food and agriculture community leaders nationwide on shared campaigns that build grassroots power, achieve NSAC’s federal policy goals, and advance racial equity in agriculture and food systems. Learn more about the position and apply here; application deadline is April 3.

NSAC is also hiring for two temporary roles that are a great fit for folks looking to learn and grow their skills: a Grassroots Intern to join our team for summer 2020 and a Communications & Development Fellow to work with us through the end of 2020. Both are paid, full time, and based in our Washington, DC office. Learn more about the position and apply here; application deadline is March 30.