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NASDA says House-passed relief bill would benefit industry

The CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture says the coronavirus relief package passed by the U.S. House on Friday would benefit the agriculture industry.

Barb Glenn says state departments of agriculture are using existing resources and staff to address the needs of farmers and ranchers in each state.

“It’s important that Congress is looking for ways to continue to allow our members to solve these issues,” she says. “I think the HEROES Act is an example of a bill that’s trying to do that through several program opportunities.”

She tells Brownfield current needs exceed the amount of assistance available.  

“The funding that we’ve had has been great, but it just isn’t enough,” she says. “The stress on the system has been massive and unprecedented, so dedicated resources are really needed in the future to keep the food supply chain healthy and safe.”

NASDA represents the elected and appointed commissioners, secretaries, and directors of the departments of agriculture in all 50 states and four U.S. territories.