Press Releases

WASHINGTON–The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released the latest tranche of assistance for farmers and ranchers affected by trade disruptions yesterday. Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released a statement on the Market Facilitation Program first announced by the USDA in May 2019.
 
"Thanks to completed trade deals like the USMCA and the Phase One agreement with China, farmers and ranchers in Kansas will have access to more markets in 2020 that can boost their bottom line. However, I am glad the Trump administration has made this program available to farmers still feeling the impact of tariffs and other market pressures," said Rep. Estes. "Between this assistance and new trade deals, farmers and ranchers in Kansas and throughout our country can continue feeding the world."
 
In May, the USDA announced the authorization of $16 billion in aid programs through the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), Food Purchase and Distribution Program (FPDP) and Agricultural Trade Promotion Program (ATP). Yesterday, the USDA announced that MFP payments will start to be made by the end of the week. Details on MFP, FPDP and ATP programs can be found here: https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2020/02/03/usda-issues-third-tranche-2019-mfp-payments.

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.