Oct 19, 2020COVID-19 relief talks stall
Talks on the latest round of coronavirus aid temporarily fell through last week after President Trump announced he would not negotiate on a broad package until after the election.
In a stark reversal, just three days later Treasury Secretary Mnuchin proposed a $1.8 trillion package to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (the previous offer on the table was $1.6 trillion). The proposal was not well received, with Pelosi calling it “insufficient” and Senate Republicans expressing concerns with the overall price tag and the state and local aid funding.
Senate Majority Leader McConnell announced that he will hold a procedural vote on the Republicans’ $500 billion “skinny” package next Monday when the Senate returns. The bill includes additional funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, schools, and hospitals as well as unemployment assistance and liability protections for businesses and schools.
Over 30% of CFAP 2.0 Spent as USDA Announces $4.5 Billion in Aid Already Distributed
As of Oct. 13, the USDA approved nearly 242,494 applications and awarded over $4.52 billion through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2.0. See a breakdown by categories below:
“Now that harvest season is winding down, we hope that individual growers find time to consider and apply for this financial assistance before it runs out,” said NPC CEO Kam Quarles. “We’ve heard positive feedback from those who have applied or sought assistance through their local FSA offices. If you have any questions about the process — which has been greatly simplified since the rollout of the initial CFAP 1.0 program — please be sure to call the FSA office at your local USDA Service Center to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.”
The updated payment report can be viewed here. To apply, visit farmers.gov/cfap.
Potato LEAF Fundraising Surpasses $1.9 million
Established at Potato Expo 2020, the Potato Leadership, Education, and Advancement Foundation (Potato LEAF) is the industry’s new public charity to fund training and development activities for our next generation of leaders. The foundation launched with the initial goal of establishing a $2 million Legacy Fund in 2020.
“As we approach the end of the year, we were proud to announce that to-date we have received pledges and contributions of more than $1.9 million to Potato LEAF. The support of the industry, at all levels, to this effort is amazing! Potato LEAF is well on its way to being the organization envisioned by its leaders,” said Mike Wenkel, NPC COO and Potato LEAF Vice President.
As you think about your end of year giving, please consider a tax-deductible contribution to Potato LEAF as a Founders Society Member or as a 2020 Individual or Business Donor. Visit pleaf.org for more information.
Potato LEAF Founders Society Members include:
Diamond Business Members
- Idaho Potato Commission
- National Potato Council
- Potatoes USA
- Washington State Potato Commission
Platinum Business Members
- RD Offutt Company
Gold Business Members
- Allied Potato
- Alsum Farm & Produce, Inc.
- Colorado Potato Administrative Committee
- Farm Credit
- Maine Potato Industry
- McCain Foods USA
- Michigan Potato Industry Commission
- Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association
Individual Members
- Countrywide Potato LLC, Alliance, Nebraska
- Todd & Jill Michael, Estero, Florida
- Dan & Jann Moss, Rupert, Idaho
- Marty & Ann Myers, West Linn, Oregon
- Lynn J. & Marthann Olsen, Othello, Washington
- Richard Pavelski, Hancock, Wisconsin
- Blair & Marti Richardson, Denver, Colorado
- Kam & Karen Quarles, Washington, D.C.
- Mike Wenkel, Washington, D.C.
SAVE THE DATE: Potato LEAF “Giving Tuesday” Virtual Trivia Event, Dec. 1, 3-4 p.m. ET
In celebration of “Giving Tuesday” — the annual global event that encourages people and organizations to help transform their communities and the world through the power of collective giving — we are hosting our inaugural Potato LEAF Trivia Event and fundraiser! More details coming soon.
APRE Research Shows Potatoes Can Support Exercise Performance
A series of recent studies published by the NPC-supported Alliance for Potato Research and Education (APRE) shows promising results for potatoes as beneficial supplements for athletes in their efforts to maximize performance.
Three studies demonstrate that whether consumed before, during or after workouts, potatoes positively impact performance and recovery as effectively — and sometimes more effectively than — traditional commercial sports products, such carbohydrate gels. Read more about APRE’s work in Nutrients, Journal of Applied Physiology, and European Journal of Applied Physiology.
— National Potato Council
