The U.S. Department of Agriculture is establishing new programs and efforts to bring financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and producers who felt the impact of COVID-19 market disruptions, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced March 24.

The new initiative—USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers—will reach a broader set of producers than previous COVID-19 aid programs.

USDA is dedicating at least $6 billion to the new programs. The department will also develop rules for new programs that will put a greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers, specialty crop and organic producers, timber harvesters, as well as provide support for the food supply chain and producers of renewable fuel, among others.

Existing programs like the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program will fall within the new initiative and, where statutory authority allows, will be refined to better address the needs of producers.

USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers was nee...