Contributing writer Bonnie Cranme
The U.S. Department of Agriculture was one of several departments that has seen its funding impacted by D.O.G.E., the new Department of Government Efficiency. On Jan. 20, DOGE was created by executive order to “implement the President’s DOGE Agenda, by modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity.” A series of federal employee firings has been coordinated over many federal departments, along with a hold or “freeze” of expected contracts that have blindsided many individuals, farmers, businesses and local government offices.
“On Dec. 21, 2024, (then) President Joe Biden signed into law the American Relief Act of 2025, providing fiscal year 2025 appropriations for the federal government though March 14, 2025, while funding disaster relief and economic assistance to farmers and extending the 2018 farm bill through September 2025,” stated a Farm Bureau release dated January 14, 2025. It continues “The bill passed the U.S. House by a 366-34 vote and the Senate by an 85-11 vote.”
“Most of the $21 billion in agriculture disaster aid in the American Relief Act of 2025 is to be distributed by USDA to cover necessary expenses related to the losses of revenue, quality or production for crops (including milk, on-farm stored commodities, crops prevented from planting, and harvested adulterated wine grapes), trees, bushes and vines. Qualifying losses include those caused by the following natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024: droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, floods, derechos, excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, freeze (including a polar vortex), smoke exposure and excessive moisture. Of the $21 billion, up to $2 billion will be used to cover livestock losses related to drought, wildfires and floods and $3 million is mandated to be used to carry out regular testing for molasses imports at port of entry.”
The recent USDA freeze has an immediate impact on Craig County families and farmers. Not only has funding for contracted farm investment been halted, at a critical time as farmers prepare for the spring season, but USDA programs providing essential nutritional programs have been cut. SNAP/EBT benefits for recipients who receive food supplemental programs may have their monthly distribution reduced or eliminated. This impacts many in the community who depend on the Feeding Southwest Virginia program that visits New Castle each month and anyone needing food assistance.
The Virginia Biological Farmers met with several representatives in Washington, D.C. during the recent National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition meeting. Discussions focused on the impacts of the recent federal funding pauses and associated confusion on farmers and others participating in USDA programs including conservation, local foods, climate smart commodities, research, and more. “We advocated for strong Congressional action to resume their Constitutional role in determining Federal spending and program funding, and to lift the “blanket” freeze on federal funding,” states Brent Wills, VABF Program Manager.
VABF has issued a request that farmers submit their stories about the funding freeze impact. “If you participate in a USDA program and if you or your farming operation have suffered economic harm or other adverse impacts from the executive orders and/or the resulting confusion at USDA agency offices, and you are willing to share your stories with Virginia’s congressional delegation, please contact Brent (programs@vabf.org) and Mark (schonbeckmark@gmail.com). Input from constituents of Ben Cline (6th – Shenandoah Valley from Roanoke up to interior northern Virginia) and Morgan Griffith (9th – Southwest Virginia from the Bedford area to Lee County) will be especially valuable for persuading these Congressmen to act on behalf of their constituents. We will communicate your stories and concerns to Virginia’s Senators and to your Congressional representative without delay and we will do so anonymously if you prefer,” states their urgent message.
