USDA freezes farmer funding for some programs, conservation contracts
Source: Reuters
USDA freezes farmer funding for some programs, conservation contracts
P.J. Huffstutter and Leah Douglas
Fri, February 7, 2025 at 7:55 PM EST·4 min read
CHICAGO/WASHINGTON DC (Reuters) -The U.S. Department of Agriculture has frozen some funding for farmers as it goes through a sweeping review, despite assurances from the Trump administration that programs helping farmers would not be affected in the government overhaul.
The impact has been immediate and wide-ranging, from cash assistance for ranchers to fix cattle watering systems to help for corn growers wanting to plant cover crops that curb wind erosion.
Some of the money that has been frozen is tied to environmental conservation programs that were funded by former President Joe Biden's signature climate law, the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which included about $19.5 billion for farm programs over 10 years.
The White House said its January 27 proposal to freeze federal loans and grants would not affect programs for farmers. The administration rescinded its proposal and it has been temporarily blocked in court. The White House did not respond to a request for comment on Friday.
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