(NAFB) – Agriculture groups applaud the Department of Agriculture for this week’s announcement of plans to distribute more than $12 billion under the Pandemic Assistance for Producers.

The funding includes $6 billion to develop new programs or modify existing proposals using remaining discretionary funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act. Another $5.6 billion will be directed to formula payments to cattle producers and eligible flat-rate or price trigger crops.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall says, “We appreciate Secretary Vilsack’s action to release funds and expand eligibility for farmers hit.”

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew says, “This sensible approach will help reach farmers who have previously been excluded from relief programs and keep them in business.”

The aid programs include biofuels, previously excluded from relief packages. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says, “Secretary Vilsack’s announcement that aid is on the way is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Sign-ups for the new program begin April 5, 2021.