The U.S. Agriculture Department has executed significant cuts to two federal programs, previously spending over $1 billion annually to aid schools and food banks in purchasing food from local farms and ranches. This reduction is part of an aggressive move by President Donald Trump's administration to shrink the federal government and sharply reduce its spending. The decision comes amid escalating trade tensions resulting from new tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China, which have incited trade wars with major buyers of U.S. farm products.
Among the affected programs is the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, which was poised to provide approximately $500 million this year to support food banks. Additionally, the School Nutrition Association revealed that the USDA has cut the $660 million Local Food for Schools program for 2025. These cuts have left farmers and food organizations across the country grappling with difficult choices, leading to staff reductions and halted investments.
The USDA has remained silent on these recent developments, as they did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the cuts. The administration's decision aligns with its broader strategy to minimize federal expenditure, though it poses significant challenges for those reliant on these programs.
The impacts of these cuts are tangible, with the USDA also freezing other grants and programs that support farmers and agricultural groups. As the landscape of U.S. agriculture shifts under these financial constraints, stakeholders are forced to reassess their operations and strategize for an uncertain future.
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