The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the release of $20 million in funding paused under the administration’s review of the Inflation Reduction Act, which has caused uncertainty and financial strain for farmers, especially small-scale operations with limited profit margins. The freeze on federal grant programs has forced some farmers to pull out of markets and cancel contracts, impacting their business plans and financial stability. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins criticized the previous administration’s policies and stated that some funding went to programs unrelated to agriculture, leading to delays in releasing additional funds.
Brian Geier, a farmer in Indiana, has been waiting on a USDA grant to expand his grazing area for sheep but is now unsure when or if he will receive the funds. Without updates, he may have to scale back his plans to purchase more sheep for his farm. Farmers who rely on climate-related grants are particularly concerned, as the freeze on funding has put projects and staff at risk. Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, which manages climate-related projects across 15 states, is owed close to $2 million in reimbursements and may have to lay off staff if the freeze continues.
Farmers like Geier and Roell, who sought out USDA funding to make their operations more resilient in the face of extreme weather events, are left in limbo, unsure of when they will receive the support needed to continue their work. The current situation highlights the impact that delays in releasing funding can have on farmers’ livelihoods and their ability to adapt to changing circumstances in the agricultural sector.
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