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Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) organized a letter signed by seventeen other Senators requesting Federal assistance for chicken farmers affected by COVID-19. The decline in food service demand has reduced chick placements and accordingly contract growers have experienced smaller flocks and extended inter-flock intervals reducing their income.
The Senators’ letter to the Department of Agriculture noted “while we appreciate that the recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economy Securities Act providing direct payment to agricultural producers through the USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, there is no direct assistance for chicken farmers.” The letter requested that Congress incorporate direct payments for chicken farmers experiencing at least a five percent loss in revenue as a result of COVID-19 to be incorporated in any future relief bill.
Sen Lowell Wicker (R-MS) |
Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) |
Mike Brown, President of the National Chicken Council stated, “America’s chicken producers are extremely grateful to Senators Coons and Wicker in their leadership on this effort” he added, “we reiterate that the farmers who have been working to provide chicken on our tables, have been affected by COVID-19 should be provided financial assistance in the next Congressional aid package.