Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) updates have been added to our website. New additions include USDA’s video preview of the payment calculator. For more details, visit our USDA page.

China has significantly stepped up purchases of U.S. agriculture products in the past two months, according to U.S. officials, even as purchases in other sectors fall short of expectations under the first phase U.S.-China trade deal. (Wall Street Journal)

National Restaurant Association Interim president & CEO Marvin Irby and Association Board Chair Melvin Rodrigue were among the restaurant leaders who met with President Donald J. Trump to discuss how the industry has been impacted by job losses and closures related to COVID-19, and to hear from President Trump about his plans for industry recovery in the days ahead. (QSR)

The U.S. corn and soybean planting paces remain way above their averages, but below trade expectations, according to the USDA’s Crop Progress Report on Monday. (Successful Farming)

The House next week is planning to overhaul the government’s flagship small business aid program, amid growing concern that it’s become unworkable for many employers. (Politico)

Rural roads’ significant deficiencies have created many challenges – and opportunities – to improving the efficiency of the agricultural supply chain. However, America’s ability to address its rural transportation challenges is threatened by a significant decrease in state transportation revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an existing backlog of surface transportation projects and the continued need for regulatory flexibility. (Farm Bureau)