In this time of uncertainty, RAFI-USA’s work continues. Our staff are carrying out our programs while also responding to COVID-19, a crisis unlike any we’ve seen in recent times.
RAFI-USA’s Come to the Table program interviews Reverend David Joyner of Red Oak Methodist Church to learn more about their food ministry and the impact of the grant they received.
RAFI-USA endorses the Relief for America’s Small Farmers Act to provide debt relief to small family farms. The most rapid way to ease financial pressures on farmers who are most at risk is forgiveness of USDA direct loan debt.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) opened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program specifically for agricultural businesses. RAFI-USA recommends that farmers and ranchers in need apply as soon as possible, since demand for the funds will be high.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a crisis on a scale we haven’t seen before. As those who have the ability and means to self-isolate stay at home, essential workers continue to keep our health care, food, transportation and other systems running.
The current COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted production and marketing of agricultural goods globally. It is critical that producers understand eligible causes of loss in crop insurance when making difficult production decisions.
As the impacts of COVID-19 continue to unfold day to day, RAFI-USA recognizes that farmers across the country are facing extreme difficulties. To help lessen the financial toll of this outbreak, RAFI-USA is distributing emergency relief grants in the amount of $500 for NC farmers who have seen drastic impacts to their business and household as a result of COVID-19.
The USDA is deciding how to spend the more than $23.5 billion earmarked for farmers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. They have already had discussions with Corporate Agriculture representatives on how to spend the money, dividing up what was meant for small, independent family farmers. RAFI-USA encourages everyone to email their Congressional representatives and ask for help.
RAFI-USA continues to monitor the evolving impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on farmers and farmworkers. The policy recommendations within are in response to what we know so far. This post will grow and change as the situation changes and we continue to hear from those who keep us fed.