The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would release $20 million in funding paused due to a review of the Inflation Reduction Act. However, advocates say this amount is insufficient and the delay in releasing funds is causing uncertainty for farmers, particularly small farms with tight profit margins. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins criticized the previous administration’s policies as the reason for the delay in releasing funds.
Farmers, like Brian Geier from Indiana, are feeling the impact as they rely on USDA grants for projects like expanding grazing areas for livestock. Without the expected funding, farmers are being forced to secure loans or scale back their plans. Those receiving grants for climate-related projects are especially concerned, as the Trump administration targeted such programs. Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, which manages climate-related projects in 15 states, is owed close to $2 million by the USDA.
The delay in funding releases is leading to farmers canceling contracts and pulling out of markets, as they are unsure of their financial stability. This uncertainty is particularly harmful to small farms that rely on federal grants to support their operations. Without access to these funds, farmers are unable to invest in projects that would make their operations more resilient to natural disasters and other disruptions. The prolonged freeze on funding is causing anxiety and financial strain for farmers across the country.
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