Grassley, Ernst ask for additional USDA support for Iowa farmers

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Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst, both members of the Senate Agriculture Committee, are asking the USDA to take action to provide Iowa farmers with additional support and relief. Iowa farmers are continuing to rebuild their livelihoods after a derecho storm system and drought impacted different parts of the state.

Grassley and Ernst are asking Secretary Perdue to provide further assistance to farmers and producers in the aftermath of the derecho, including a deadline extension for crop insurance premium due dates.  

They’re also asking for a streamlined application process to replace grain bins damaged from the storm and ensuring future USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments are issued for base acres, not harvested acres.

While visiting Iowa, Secretary Perdue announced his approval of Governor Kim Reynolds’ request for a Secretarial Disaster Designation for 18 counties impacted by the storm, which allowed producers to access USDA disaster programs and Farm Service Agency loans.

The senators also sent a letter asking the Secretary of Commerce to lift Section 232 tariffs on steel that add millions to the costs for Iowa’s recovery, especially for farmers needing to replace machine sheds and grain bins.