March 20, 2018

By Amanda De Jong
March 20 is National Agriculture Day — a day designated each year by the Agriculture Council of America to celebrate the accomplishments of agriculture. The Farm Service Agency joins the council in thanking U.S. agricultural producers, especially in Iowa, for their contributions to the nation’s outstanding quality of life.
This year’s theme, Agriculture: Food for Life, spotlights the hard work of American farmers, ranchers and foresters who diligently work to provide food, fiber and more to the United States and countries around the world. To ensure a prosperous future for American agriculture, FSA provides continuous support to agriculturalists across the country.
Government farm programs critical
FSA is rural America’s engine for economic growth, job creation and development, offering local service to millions of rural producers. In fiscal year 2017, USDA Farm Loan programs provided $6 billion in support to producers across America, the second highest total in FSA history.
FSA also distributed $1.6 billion in Conservation Reserve Program payments to over 375,000 Americans to improve water quality, reduce soil erosion and increase wildlife habitat.
For agricultural producers who suffered market downturns in 2016, USDA is issuing about $8 billion in payments under the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs.
USDA also continues to provide extensive assistance in response to natural disasters throughout the country, including last year’s hurricanes in Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands; drought in the northern High Plains; wildfires in the west and central Plains; and floods, tornados, freezes and other catastrophic weather events.
To support beginning farmers and ranchers, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue signed a memorandum of understanding with officials from SCORE, the nation’s largest volunteer network of expert business mentors, to support new and beginning farmers.
The agreement provides resources for beginning ranchers, veterans, women and the socially disadvantaged to help them thrive in agribusiness.
For more information about FSA programs and services, visit fsa.usda.gov.
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