COVID-19 loan programme introduced to support US dairy processors

US Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) – a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee – has introduced legislation to create a loan programme to provide relief to dairy processors who have been affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting economic crisis. 

Smith said that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) backed loan programme would allow dairy processors, packagers, merchants, marketers, wholesalers and distributors to secure credit against their inventory, ensuring processors have the working capital needed to make it through the next stages of the pandemic.

“For years, the dairy industry in Minnesota and across the country has been reeling from low prices, trade disruptions and weather disasters. Now, to add insult to injury, the coronavirus pandemic has caused much of the market to dry up,” said Smith. “My legislation will help the industry access the capital it needs to stay afloat during this uncertain time. I plan to keep pushing for relief for Minnesota agriculture.” 

“A dairy recourse loan would ensure all links in the dairy supply chain remain intact and have access to the working capital they need to keep operating and paying their bills amid the significant market volatility caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” added Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association. “IDFA and our members are grateful to Senator Smith for providing dairy food companies with the financial tools they need to continue processing milk, keep workers employed and keep Americans fed with nutritious dairy products.”