Ag, Nutrition, Rural Needs Addressed in Budget Instructions for COVID Relief Bill

House and Senate Ag Democrats have agreed on budget instructions for the farm, food and rural part of the party’s massive COVID-19 relief bill that Democrats hope to pass in the next few weeks. There’s $3.6 billion to strengthen the food supply chain and feed the hungry. Senate Ag Chair Debbie Stabenow…

There’s $100 million for small meat processor overtime fee relief, more for food donation-buys from farmers, extra food stamp enhancements, billions for minority farmers and institutions, and funds for rural hospitals, vaccine access, testing, and telehealth.

USDA Secretary-nominee for a second run, Tom Vilsack at his recent confirmation hearing…

But there’s also $13 billion in farm aid from December’s enacted COVID-19-relief package that needs to be spent.

Vilsack still has to be confirmed, which is now more likely to happen after the Senate concludes its impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump.