Key Takeaways
- The USDA is reviewing 15 programs amid scrutiny over spending by the Trump Administration.
- Several key initiatives are under a funding freeze, including the Regional Conservation Partnership Program and the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Program.
- Senator Amy Klobuchar emphasizes the importance of releasing funds to support farmers and rural communities facing economic challenges.
USDA Reviews Programs Amid Funding Scrutiny
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently reviewing 15 of its programs in light of ongoing scrutiny regarding spending practices under the Trump Administration. This information was shared with Agri-Pulse by the office of Senate Ag Committee ranking member Amy Klobuchar. Among the affected programs are significant initiatives such as the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Program, and the Farm Loan Borrower Relief Program.
Additionally, the Rural Energy for America Program was mentioned in the review. However, the USDA had previously announced on March 26 that it would lift its freeze on the Rural Energy for America Program, allowing grant recipients 30 days to adjust their proposals to align with Trump administration policies.
During a Senate hearing on Tuesday, Klobuchar highlighted the list of paused programs and called on the USDA to release funds promptly. “The Department of Agriculture must uphold its commitment to farmers and rural Americans by releasing these funds,” Klobuchar stated. She stressed the necessity for Congress to seek more information from the USDA regarding any frozen funding due to the pressing economic challenges faced by farmers and rural communities.
In the backdrop of these funding challenges, farmers awaiting payments from the Inflation Reduction Act have taken legal action in an effort to secure reimbursements. This case remains unresolved in court.
Responding to inquiries from Agri-Pulse, a USDA spokesperson commented that the review of the programs is ongoing and that the department provided this information as part of its regular oversight communications. The spokesperson expressed regret over the information being presented to the press, calling it an unfortunate situation arising from a good faith exchange with Klobuchar.
The list of programs under review includes:
– American Rescue Plan Technical Assistance Investment Program
– Bioproduct Pilot Program
– From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals
– Infrastructure Investment and Job Act Joint Fire Science Program (Research & Development)
– Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Restoration/Revegetation
– Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Capital Maintenance and Improvement
– Forest Service Reverse 911 Grant Program
– Forest and Grassland Collaboratives
– Rural Energy for America Program
– Regional Conservation Partnership Program
– Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities
– Conservation Outreach, Education, and Technical Assistance
– Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access Program
– Farm Loan Borrower Relief Program
– DSA COVID Relief Program
The ongoing review and freeze on these programs represent a significant concern for stakeholders in the agricultural sector as they navigate challenging economic conditions. Further updates from the USDA are anticipated as evaluations of the paused programs continue.
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