Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney hosted a farm tour, stopping first at R&G Produce and ending with a panel of local farmers and industry experts at Wagon Wheel Farm in Goshen. They discussed the unique economic challenges facing the agricultural sector in the wake of COVID-19 and how the federal government can support them in their recovery. Rep. Maloney also introduced his latest piece of legislation on behalf of local farmers, The Relief for America’s Small Farmers Act, which is led in the Senate by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY).
“Our farms have always been the heart and soul of our local economy and they’re going to be key to our economic recovery in the wake of COVID-19. Today, I heard directly from local farmers about what they need to get back on their feet. Our family farms have struggled to navigate a year of depressed prices and limited markets, causing them serious financial strain. They need more help from the federal government to keep their doors open,” said Rep. Maloney. “I am proud to be introducing the Relief for Small Farmers Act to do just that. This bill is designed to help farmers get back in business by offering a one-time debt forgiveness of up to $250,000. Farming is the lifeblood of our local economy, and we need to make sure it’s a big part of our recovery.”
Rep. Maloney and Sen. Gillibrand’s Relief for America’s Small Farmers Act would provide direct relief to small farmers to help alleviate crippling debt. This act would provide a one-time debt forgiveness of up to $250,000 across three types of USDA FSA loans: Direct Farm Operating Loans, Direct Farm Ownership Loans, and Emergency Loans. This bill will work to protect our most vulnerable farmers with an average adjusted gross income of $300,000 or less over the previous five years will be eligible for this debt relief. It will also allow for farmers who have had to sit out farm seasons for the previous five years to be eligible.
“Small farmers in New York State have been under financial strain for many years and the economic toll of the pandemic has added even greater hardship,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Relief for America’s Small Farmers Act would bring desperately needed debt forgiveness and direct relief to our most vulnerable farmers as they work to recover from the pandemic. This relief will not only provide a lifeline to our farmers, but will also strengthen our food supply chain, economy, and our communities.”
“Small Hudson Valley farms were hit hard by COVID-19 and accessing federal help wasn’t always easy. Congressman Maloney was there from day one, helping farms like mine keep their doors open and stay in business. His latest bill, providing debt relief to small farmers, would make a real difference for businesses like ours throughout the Hudson Valley. Agriculture is a key part of our economy – and, as we heard time and again in our roundtable today – it makes a big difference when we have leaders like the congressman fighting for us in Washington,” said Jason Touw of Wagon Wheel Farm.
Photos from the event are below and linked here in high resolution. Live video from the event can be found on Rep. Maloney’s Facebook page.