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California Democrats Secure Relief for Farmers Affected by Shutdown

Farming in America

Farmers hurt by tariffs are getting relief from the U.S. Department of Agriculture thanks to the effort of five California Congressmen.

The lawmakers sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue earlier this week, asking that farmers affected by the country's trade war with China be given an extension to apply for relief under the Market Facilitation Program.  Their request is being granted.

“The deadline was January 15th,” said Congressman Josh Harder.  “Unfortunately, because of the government shutdown, there was nobody at the farm service agency who could even process those applications,”

Harder is pleased the deadline extension is being granted – calling it a huge win for farmers.

“My goal is to make sure we’re getting out of this trade war as fast as we possibly can,” Harder continued.  “But, as long as we’re in it, folks who are applying and being affected by that trade war are due relief, and we need to make sure they have an avenue to do that.”

The original January 15th deadline will be extended by the number of days the government is ultimately shut down.  

Congressmen John Garamendi, Jim Costa, TJ Cox and Jimmy Panetta also signed the extension request.


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