Livestock and poultry producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing can apply for assistance. The dollars can cover losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals.
USDA Secretary Vilsack announced the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program at the National Pork Industry Conference in Wisconsin Dells. The announcement is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Livestock and poultry producers can apply for assistance through USDA’s Farm Service Agency Tuesday through Sept. 17.
Payments will be based on 80 percent of the fair market value of the livestock and poultry and for the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animal. Eligible livestock and poultry include swine, chickens and turkeys, but pork producers are expected to be the primary recipients of the assistance.
“Throughout the pandemic, we learned very quickly the importance and vulnerability of the supply chain to our food supply,” Vilsack said. “Many livestock producers had to make the unfortunate decision to depopulate their livestock inventory when there simply was no other option. This targeted assistance will help livestock and poultry producers that were among the hardest hit by the pandemic alleviate some financial burden from these losses.”
