Reynolds, Naig Announce Remaining CARES Act Funds for Iowa Farmers and Biofuels Producers

Today, Governor Reynolds and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Naig announced the additional allocation of Iowa’s funds from the federal CARES Act of $100 million with many of the dollars available to assist and support Iowa’s agricultural economy.

“ICGA is thankful and commends Governor Reynolds and Secretary Naig on finding new avenues to support our state’s farmers and biofuels producers,” said Iowa Corn Growers Association® President and farmer from Monticello Jim Greif. “2020 has been a trying year with the lowest corn prices in over a decade, trade disputes, attacks on the Renewable Fuels Standard and pending small refinery waivers all while navigating a global pandemic. This additional funding is welcome news this week.”

ICGA advocated for the following CARES Act funds:

              +/- $60 million for livestock producers, majority for owners, small amount for contract producers

              +/- $15.5 million for biofuels producers

              +/- $6 million for beginning farmer assistance

              +/- $2.5 million for meat processors

              +/- 500,000 for specialty crops

As previously announced, the Renewable Fuel Retail Recovery Program has been administered by IDALS and this funding of $7 million will support the expansion of retail fueling infrastructure for higher blends of renewable fuels.

For more information on the programs, contact the Iowa Economic Development Authority at https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/ or Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) at https://iowaagriculture.gov/.

For More Information:

Brandi Snyder, Public Relations Manager, bsnyder@iowacorn.org, 515-225-9242