Drought-State Senators Looking for Changes to Assistance Programs

WASHINGTON, DC – If legislation from Senate members John Thune (SD-R) and Ben Ray Luján (NM-D) passes, there could be significant improvements to the “effectiveness and timeliness” of multiple USDA programs that exist to assist farmers and ranchers in the aftermath of adverse weather, while also providing the department with the direction to improve the accuracy of the U.S Drought Monitor.

Both Senators are members of the Senate Agriculture Committee and are reintroducing a bill that did not make it through the legislative process in the 117th Congress.

Changes to the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) include clarifying that state and federal grazing permit holders are eligible for these programs and would streamline the permitting process.

Changes to the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) would allow for a one-month payment when a county reaches D2 (severe drought) for four consecutive weeks, compared to eight weeks under current law. When a county reaches D2 for eight straight weeks, it would be eligible for another month’s payment.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)