by Nick Wood, CFSA Policy Director | Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020 —
After months of stops and starts, Congress passed the long-awaited fourth COVID-19 stimulus bill. The $900 billion package includes a number of important provisions for small- and mid-scale farms, farmers markets, and other local and regional food businesses impacted by the pandemic.
The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) has a detailed summary here. Highlights include:
- $11.1875 billion in additional direct support to farmers and local food businesses including contract poultry growers, along with personal protective equipment (PPE) for food-system workers.
- $75 million for the Farming Opportunities Training and Outreach Program (FOTO) to support BIPOC, beginning, socially disadvantaged, and veteran farmers with financial, operating, and marketing advice.
- $100 million and a reduction in cost-share to 10% for the Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) to support local farmers, farmers markets, food hubs, and other local food businesses.
- $75 million for the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) that allows for incentives to increase the value of benefits for low-income consumers when used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at locations like farmers markets.
This bill is a start to providing the support our local and regional food systems need to weather the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the months ahead. But much more is needed.
Stay tuned for more ways to advocate for sustainable food and agriculture in 2021.