By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the immediate cancellation of the $3.1 billion Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program, originally established under the Former administration.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that a review revealed excessive administrative fees, with less than half of the funds reaching farmers.
“The Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative was largely built to advance the green new scam at the benefit of NGOs, not American farmers,” said Secretary Rollins.
The program has been rebranded as the Advancing Markets for Producers initiative. Under the new guidelines, organizations previously awarded funding can reapply, provided they allocate at least 65% of the funds directly to farmers.
Additionally, projects must have enrolled and compensated at least one producer by December 31, 2024.
This decision affects numerous projects nationwide, including 29 in Wisconsin, which collectively accounted for $1 billion in funding. The USDA aims to streamline operations, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and ensure that funds are utilized effectively to support farmers directly.
The restructuring reflects the administration's commitment to prioritizing farmers' needs and ensuring efficient use of federal funds in agricultural programs.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National