On Monday, March 29, GCCA submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in response to their solicitation for stakeholder input regarding the possible development of new grants and loans that could provide critical support to our industry. The COVID Stimulus Package, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, authorized no less than $1.5 billion for grants to small or midsized food processors or distributors, seafood processing facilities and processing vessels, farmers markets, producers, or other organizations to respond to coronavirus, including for measures to protect workers against COVID–19. In addition, the American Rescue Plan appropriated $4 billion to make loans and grants to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency.  GCCA’s comments build on recent meetings with the White House and USDA and outline how grants and loans could assist the cold chain in managing the impacts of the pandemic.

Read the comments HERE.