On March 24, 2021, USDA announced it will dedicate at least $6 billion to develop a number of new programs or modify existing proposals using discretionary funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act and other coronavirus funding to assist the food and agriculture industry. USDA has indicated that rulemaking for some of these programs will be required and we expect that to commence in the spring. Of particular interest to the cold chain industry are provisions in the announcement that would provide assistance for:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other protective measures for food and farm workers and specialty crop and seafood producers, processors and distributors
Improving the resilience of the food supply chain, including assistance to meat and poultry operations to facilitate interstate shipment
GCCA is actively engaging with USDA as it implements these and other COVID relief provisions to communicate the pandemic impacts on our industry and how this type of assistance can be helpful to members. GCCA will keep you updated on these programs as the rulemaking process begins.
