The following statement may be attributed to Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening following April 17th's announced USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program:
"Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) hails U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue's announcement of a Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). If there was ever a time when Texas farm and ranch families need help, it is now.
"TFB is grateful this program provides $16 billion in critically-needed direct support for farmers and ranchers negatively impacted by COVID-19. This relief funding for agriculture, especially Texas cattle ranchers, provides much-needed certainty as we work through these extreme challenges.
"We fully support the U.S. Department of Agriculture partnering with regional and local distributors to purchase large amounts of fresh produce, dairy and meat so that these items can reach Americans in need.
"Texas farmers and ranchers are in a unique position regarding our nation's response to the pandemic. Each of us is battling the economic impacts on our own farm and ranch while remaining committed to feeding our country."