The American Soybean Association (ASA) sent a letter to Secretary Perdue this week requesting soybean-specific assistance as USDA works to develop an agricultural assistance package for 2020.

In the letter, ASA emphasizes that COVID-19 has compounded an already down soybean market situation resulting from the ongoing U.S. China trade war. ASA encourages Secretary Perdue to assist with the following needs and concerns:

• A soybean-specific assistance payment based on the lack of price recovery due to China tariffs and now COVID-19.
• Ability for soybean growers to clearly and easily access and qualify for both the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL), for which farmers are unfortunately ineligible (EIDL).
• Continued review of credit program authority to aid in securing capital for agricultural production, including a robust FSA farm loan program to ensure USDA remains responsive to needs of producers.
• Improved rural broadband access, a vital necessity as soybean growers’ business needs compete with household educational needs for Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Additional measures to protect the viability, health and safety of soybean growers, their families, and their workforce.

Read the full letter here.

Government Assistance Resources

• USDA Unveils Tool to Help Rural Communities Address the COVID-19 Pandemic
• DHS and USDA Move to Protect American Farmers and Ensure Continued Flow of America’s Food Supply
• Ag producers Eligible to Participate in the Paycheck Protection Program under CARES, Apply for SBA Loans

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