Oct 5, 2021$10 billion ag relief package still on way as government avoids shutdown
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) announced Sept. 29 that a deal was reached between Senate Democrats and Republicans on a continuing resolution to keep the government funded through Dec. 3.
After considering several amendments on the Senate Floor, the Senate voted 65-35 on Thursday to pass the continuing resolution and supplemental appropriations for Afghan refugee resettlement and disaster assistance. The House then passed the CR and supplemental funding by a 254-175 vote, which was signed into law by President Biden.
The bill contains $10 billion for agriculture disaster assistance programs and extends coverage to disasters that occurred over the last two years. Those losses originally included a wide range of disasters, including droughts, wildfires, hurricanes, floods and other events. Excessive heat and smoke exposure were added late in the process to address challenges that have been emerging this summer. Additionally, the bill provides $200 million to the Bureau of Reclamation for projects to address drought in the West.
House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott (D-Georgia) applauded the disaster assistance said in a statement: “I am proud of the bipartisan work the House Agriculture Committee did with H.R. 267 to write many of the important provisions that are now contained in the ag disaster section of the CR… Inclusion of these provisions is the fastest way to get this critical assistance out the door to our producers, and it will bring more producers into the crop insurance program.”
Registration open for Potato Expo
Potato Expo 2022 — scheduled for Jan. 5-6 in Anaheim, California — will be an event you won’t want to miss.
Join us for countless opportunities to connect with clients and do business in the Expo Hall, learn about the latest technologies and products at the Breakout Sessions and Potato Talks, and reconnect with friends during receptions, pop-up meetings and spontaneous run-ins.
A lot of what you have come to expect from Potato Expo will be offered but things may look slightly different so we can safely attend. Check out our Health and Safety page for what can expect in Anaheim.
We can’t wait to see you in January, but for now, check out the schedule, book your room, and register to attend the largest potato industry gathering in North America.
— National Potato Council
