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Rep. Budzinski: Farmers face added uncertainty as USDA support pauses in shutdown

A member of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee says the partial shutdown of the federal government is compounding already uncertain times for farmers.

Illinois Democratic Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski says members of her Agriculture Advisory Council told her Tuesday that not having access to an already understaffed USDA is concerning.

“There was real concern voiced on the call about how seriously we should take this administration when they’re promising for more layoffs and reduction in forces, and how that might impact the USDA as the shutdown continues,” she says.

She tells Brownfield that producers beginning to plan for next year require services.

“To get technical assistance, but also loan programs through the Farm Service Agency.”  She says, “That’s something that also in the shutdown is going to stop. Farmers also cannot enroll in farm bill conservation programs.”

Budzinski says the longer the shutdown continues, the farther behind services for farmers will fall.

AUDIO: Rep. Nikki Budzinski