Thaw Coming? What Ag Programs Will See Funding Freeze Relief

According to a news release from USDA, newly confirmed Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins will release the first portion of funding that was paused due to the review of Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) financing. What does this mean? Specifically, USDA is releasing roughly $20 million in contracts for the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program, and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.

“American farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our nation,” Rollins says.

This is the first “tranche” of released funding, and additional announcements are to come as USDA continues to review IRA funding.

“After careful review, it is clear that some of this funding (over the past four years) went to programs that had nothing to do with agriculture — that is why we are still reviewing — whereas other funding was directed to farmers and ranchers who have since made investments in these programs. We will honor our commitments to American farmers and ranchers, and we will ensure they have the support they need to be the most competitive in the world.”

In response to the announcement, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall expressed appreciation for Rollins and USDA upholding commitments to farmers.

“I was glad to hear this news as well as her strong commitment to continue to champion the issues of America’s farmers and ranchers. We’re thankful the administration recognized the importance of making good on the first tranche of agreements. We look forward to future announcements about fulfilling previously signed contracts. We stand ready to work with her to address the growing list of challenges facing agriculture.”

Duvall also took to social media in sharing his thoughts. Here’s what he posted on X/Twitter.

We appreciate the administration’s decision to release funds for some USDA conservation program contracts. I met with Sec. Rollins to relay concerns from rural America & was pleased to hear of her decision & her commitment to continue to champion the issues of farmers & ranchers.

— Zippy Duvall (@ZippyDuvall) February 21, 2025

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SOUND OFF

Is your work connected to the fruit and vegetable industry? Have you been affected by the recent wave of budget cuts? Here’s your chance to tell us how it’s affecting you – good, bad, or otherwise. In addition to the impact on your own work, please explain how you see the cuts affecting your part of the industry.

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