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USDA will look into CCC funds after Senate Ag request

The USDA says it will explore using Commodity Credit Corporation funds as requested by U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee leaders for trade promotion and in-kind international food assistance.

Chair Debbie Stabenow and Ranking Member John Boozman recently sent a letter to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack asking for resources available under the CCC to support similar efforts to the farm bill and open access to markets while promoting American-grown products abroad.

In a statement to Brownfield, a spokesperson for USDA says the Senators’ concerns are shared at the department and it will look carefully at its authorities and remaining funds this fiscal year to determine if money is available.

The Senators specifically point to disrupted supply chains because of Russia’s war on Ukraine and the need to advance food assistance initiatives which in turn would support U.S. farmers.

Secretary Vilsack has previously experienced pushback from some lawmakers when bypassing Congress to access the funds for programs.