U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced details of $470 million in Section 32 food purchases to occur in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, in addition to purchases previously announced, which will enable USDA to purchase surplus food for distribution to communities nationwide. These Section 32 purchases will provide additional support for producers and Americans in need, in response to changing market conditions caused by the COVID-19 national emergency.
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Andrew & Williamson/Good Farms, Rancho Guadalupe & Dynasty Farms Support Food Banks
In one of the first agreements of its kind between California producers and a county food bank, two farms will begin providing, at a reasonable rate, produce to the Alameda County Community Food Bank, allowing it to provide additional much-needed fresh fruit and vegetables to a growing number of residents in need of assistance. This innovative pilot program assists the food banks while keeping the agricultural supply chain together which is critical to the future of food supply.
Colorado & Nevada Join California, Oregon & Washington in Western States Pact
Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak today announced their respective states are joining California, Oregon and Washington in the Western States Pact – a working group of Western state governors with a shared vision for modifying stay at home orders and fighting COVID-19.
Federal COVID-19 aid could arrive in May
Applications will begin in May for $16 billion in federal aid for farmers and ranchers who have suffered losses due to market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue saying he hopes the assistance can be distributed by the end of May.
Governor Newsom Provides Update on California’s Pandemic Resilience Roadmap
Governor Gavin Newsom, alongside California Department of Public Health Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Sonia Angell, today laid out an update on California’s Roadmap to Pandemic Resilience, which discusses how the state is planning its path forward – in phases based on science, health and data.
