2025-02-10 06:06 AM ET - Washington Post

Farmers Facing Funding Freeze from U.S. Agriculture Department Despite Promises

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Farmers encounter significant disruptions as promised funds from the U.S. Agriculture Department are frozen due to a directive from the Trump administration, despite previous assurances.

The White House had repeatedly stated that the funding freeze would not impact benefits that go directly to individual people. However, farmers have reported missing millions of dollars promised by the U.S. Agriculture Department. This funding freeze was initiated by former President Donald Trump on his first day in office, halting funds for several programs outlined in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

The pause affects programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Rural Energy for America Program, which assist farmers in addressing natural resource concerns and improve their infrastructure, respectively. Farmers who signed contracts under these programs had incentives to invest upfront, expecting reimbursement from the federal government.

Maryland flower farmer Laura Beth Resnick talked about her experience with a solar panel installation project, where she was denied reimbursement due to Trump's executive order. She expressed uncertainty about her situation and the future of her farm.

The agriculture funding freeze has also impacted other programs, including scientific research grants and initiatives aimed at producing climate-smart crops, as highlighted in a letter from House Democrats.

The White House assured that the freeze would not affect direct benefits to farmers, but many reported their funding remained frozen even after a federal judge temporarily halted the implementation of the freeze. Farmers are also facing various challenges, including tariffs and foreign aid freezes.

In a statement, an Agriculture Department spokesperson indicated that the Trump administration’s comprehensive review would determine approval. While funding appropriated through the Inflation Reduction Act remains crucial, farmers like Skylar Holden and Resnick are left in precarious financial situations, unsure of when or if their promised funds will be released.

Programs vital to the farming community now remain in limbo, with many farmers questioning the stability of future government funding and assistance needed for their operations.