SCRANTON (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) – U.S. Senator Bob Casey and Pennsylvania agriculture leaders discussed solutions, challenges, and needs for Pennsylvania farmers during the COVID-19 crisis.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Pennsylvania farmers have experienced billions of dollars in losses.
Dairy farmers in the state have seen an estimated $5.7 billion loss due to price declines, and the fresh produce industry has lost $5 billion, with additional losses coming in the upcoming months.
"Agriculture is the Commonwealth's top industry, and farmers and agricultural businesses are essential to our economy. Farmers do incredibly hard and important work, and I know as a result of COVID-19, an already challenging job has become even more difficult. I will continue to press USDA to ensure that payments in the CARES Act provide support for farmers selling into local markets, specialty crop producers and dairy farmers, all of whom have a significant footprint in Pennsylvania," Senator Casey said in a statement.
Senator Casey recently sent letters to the Secretary of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) asking for direct assistance to dairy farmers and specialty crop producers who are experiencing losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
___Listen to KDKA Radio on the RADIO.COM AppTell your smart speaker to "play KDKA Radio"Receive email updates from KDKA RadioFollow KDKA Radio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
