NAFB – A proposal to permanently slow down First-Class Mail delivery would be “catastrophic” for family farmers, according to the National Farmers Union. NFU submitted comments this week to the U.S. Postal Service on the proposal.

Currently, First-Class mail is supposed to be delivered within a one- to three-day time frame. However, in an effort to cut costs, USPS has proposed extending that range to five days. NFU contends that because rural areas often lack both services like banks, pharmacies, polling places, and supply stores as well as access to broadband internet and private delivery services, residents disproportionately depend on USPS to receive medication, vote, communicate with friends and family, cash checks, and conduct business.

NFU says the delay would be particularly detrimental for packages containing time-sensitive materials such as live animals, perishable foods, ballots, and prescription medications. The proposal, according to the NFU filed comments, could put “rural businesses and livelihoods at risk.”