The Trump administration said it would allow some companies to delay payment of import tariffs due to economic hardship triggered by the new coronavirus, but the relief was much more limited than many officials and business leaders had signaled. (Wall Street Journal)

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced Arizona and Illinois have been approved to operate Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), a new program authorized by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which provides assistance to families of children eligible for free or reduced-price meals dealing with school closures. (USDA)

USDA has announced details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Read more on our USDA page.

Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue rolled out a $19 billion rescue plan Friday for a long list of agriculture sectors that say the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic through supply chains and markets will force many farmers out of business. Of the $19 billion, $16 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers. The department will use $3 billion to purchase a variety of agricultural and food products. (Roll Call)

USDA on Sunday announced that it is planning a webinar on Tuesday to outline how interested parties can submit proposals to help the agency purchase and distribute up to $3 billion in agricultural products for those in need of food. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service plans to partner with regional and local distributors to purchase at least $100 million per month of fresh produce, $100 million per month of a variety of dairy products, and $100 million per month of pork and poultry products. (Agri-Pulse)

Last year, the nation’s corn farmers sent more than 5 billion bushels of corn to the ethanol industry. “That’s about 40 percent of our product,” said Jeff Kirwan, an Illinois corn farmer and member of the board of the Illinois Farm Bureau. With people driving less, that 40 percent of the corn market is disappearing. (The Center Square)