Farmers looking for some help after trade tensions this summer affected demand for Iowa crops, got some good news on Tuesday. Despite the government shutdown, farmers will get an extension to apply for aid.

The United States Department of Agriculture's Market Facilitation Program was designed to support farmers who are suffering due to the unfair trade retaliation from several foreign governments. A deadline of January 15th was set up for farmers to apply for financial assistance. But when the federal government was shut down, USDA county extension offices across the state were forced to close. That made it impossible for most farmers to apply for the aid they were promised.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced yesterday that they will extend the application period the number of days that USDA offices were closed due to the government shutdown. Farmers who already applied for the program and have certified their 2018 production will continue to receive payments.

Iowa Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst both praised the announcement and what it meant for Iowa farmers.

 

[via KWWL]

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