Joyce Leads Fight for PA Farm Relief
Altoona, PA Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA-13), the top Republican on the House Small Business Subcommittee on Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship, released the following statement on farm and agricultural producers' eligibility for the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans, both of which were replenished by Congress last week.
"Along with our small businesses, Pennsylvania's farmers are the backbone of our economy and the heart of our community. During this unprecedented economic crisis, our farmers continue their daily work to provide healthy and safe food for Americans' tables, despite sustaining heavy losses from restaurants and other commercial customers. They are truly essential, and it's critical that our farmers get the help they need to weather this storm.
"As a member of the House Small Business Committee, it was my privilege to fight for the inclusion of farmers and other agricultural producers in the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Disaster Injury Loans. With the additional funding that Congress passed last week, more farms will be able to access this temporary lifeline supporting our farmers and sustaining their indispensable work."
Throughout the coronavirus crisis, Dr. Joyce has advocated for the needs of Pennsylvania's farmers. Recently, he sent a letter to SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza encouraging the agency to expand its support for farmers in the face of the coronavirus crisis by clarifying guidance surrounding the Paycheck Protection Program. In response to his request, which garnered the support of five fellow Members of Congress, the SBA has updated its guidance.
Also, Dr. Joyce urged the U.S. Treasury to update its guidance to clarify that agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers are eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program. Updated guidance, reflecting the change, is available online.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) began accepting applications for the Paycheck Protection Program today at 10:30am. Dr. Joyce encourages farmers that want to apply for Paycheck Protection Program assistance to do so as soon as possible.More information and applications are available at SBA.gov/coronavirus. Farmers should contact a participating lender or financial institution with specific questions about eligibility.
Additionally, farmers and agricultural producers can find guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at USDA.gov/coronavirus.
Background:
Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District is home to more than 8,000 farms, including nearly a quarter of the dairy cows in the Commonwealth. During his tenure in Congress, Dr. Joyce has been a steadfast advocate for Pennsylvania farmers.
- Dr. Joyce fought to pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a fairer trade deal for Pennsylvania's farmers, which President Trump signed in January 2020.
- The USMCA secures greater market access for dairy and poultry exports, leveling the playing field so that farms can compete in a global market.
- This year, Dr. Joyce led a bipartisan letter to U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner (FDA) Stephen Hahn encouraging the agency to crack down on plant-based imitators that are harming the dairy industry by falsely labeling their products as milk.
- As an advocate for whole milk to be offered in public schools, Dr. Joyce co-sponsored H.R. 832, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2019.
- On the House Small Business Committee, Dr. Joyce serves as the top Republican on the Subcommittee on Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship, and he leads the Subcommittee's efforts to support farmers and rural Americans.
For more information, please visit JohnJoyce.House.gov.
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