WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, welcomed Secretary Vilsack’s statement highlighting USDA’s work to create more and better markets for agricultural producers. With the resources provided by Congress in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act, the Department has focused on addressing supply chain disruptions in the agricultural sector experienced during the pandemic and expanding markets and diversifying the food system both at home and abroad. The American Rescue Plan Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act collectively included over $5.5 billion to respond to COVID-19 disruptions in the food supply chain and increase the resiliency of the food supply in the future, based on Chairwoman Stabenow’s bipartisan Food Supply Protection Act.
“The pandemic has shown us how fragile our food system is – but also how creative and capable the people who put food on our table can be when given the right resources. We’ve found ways to connect surplus milk, fruits and vegetables with so many families that needed assistance due to COVID, and jump-start local and regional food supply chains to get more locally sourced meat and produce to our neighbors. Not to mention, with this Administration, our producers are restoring their competitive edge in the global economy. I am so proud of what our producers have been able to do in partnership with the Department of Agriculture. I look forward to making sure these success stories are reflected in our upcoming Farm Bill work as well,” said Senator Stabenow.
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