Micheal Clements, NAFB News Service

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds this week allocated $100 million of CARES Act funding for Iowa Agriculture. The funds include $60 million for the Iowa Livestock Producer Relief Fund. The fund will provide grants of up to $10,000 to eligible producers of pork, beef, chicken, turkeys, dairy, fish or sheep to serve as working capital to stabilize livestock producers. Also included in the funding is the State Biofuel Grant Program, receiving $15.5 million. This fund will provide relief to Iowa ethanol and biodiesel producers based on gallons produced. Meanwhile, the Renewable Fuel Retail Recover Program, worth $7 million, Supports a program that helps expand retail fueling infrastructure for higher blend renewable fuels. Finally, the Iowa Beginning Farmer Debt Relief Fund, worth $6 million, provides eligible beginning farmers with a long-term debt service payment of up to $10,000, to be paid directly to their lender. Iowa Corn Growers Association President Jim Greif says, “every bit of help is needed,” while thanking Reynolds for the support.