The White House has announced a $19 billion assistance program aiding farmers and ranchers during the coronavirus pandemic. On Tuesday, President Trump said the program would help "maintain the heath of the food supply chain" during the crisis.
"The American farmer is the backbone of our country," Trump said at the White House.
$16 billion will be provided in direct payments to qualifying farmers and ranchers, with the remaining $3 billion going towards food line products. According to Trump, farmers can sign up for the payments beginning on May 26.
And just last Friday, the 'Farmers to Families Food Box' program was launched, which will purchase and distribute produce, meats and dairy to nonprofits and food banks.
"We applaud the USDA for its quick action and flexibility in finding a way to get food from America's farms to the dinner tables of those who need it most," American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said in a statement. "These food purchases will help the hungry while providing income to farmers and ranchers who have seen some markets for their food disappear during the COVID-19 pandemic."
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