WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, and John Boozman (R-AR), Ranking Member, today applauded the announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will use its authorities under the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act to provide $2.3 billion to invest in trade promotion and in-kind international food assistance, both of which support American farmers and producers.
“As we continue our work writing a strong, bipartisan Farm Bill, American farmers and producers have been clear about the need to strengthen trade opportunities, increase revenue streams, and help producers grow and thrive in a global economy. As we also face rising global food insecurity, it is also clear that our country must do everything we can to address humanitarian needs abroad while supporting American farmers. Today’s announcement by Secretary Vilsack is welcome news, and we thank him for his timely response to our letter on this matter from September. While this funding is welcome, it does not replace the need for a Farm Bill. We look forward to continuing our work to deliver a strong, bipartisan Farm Bill that meets the needs of farmers and the American people.”
The announcement follows a letter sent by the Senators urging Secretary Vilsack to support American farmers by making investments through the CCC in trade promotion and food assistance in September.
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