WASHINGTON, DC - The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and National Restaurant Association (NRA) have released statements pertaining to the U.S. House and Senate agreement for a $908 billion COVID-19 stimulus package. The agreement will provide essential financial assistance to the fresh produce and foodservice industries, and is expected to be signed by the President and approved by the full House and Senate today.

“This funding infusion is desperately needed by our industry, which has been devastated by business closures and lost markets,” stated Richard Owen, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Team Lead for PMA, in a press release. “For some businesses, it’s already too late. But we are now focused on strengthening all sectors of the industry for a recovery period in 2021. This funding serves as an important bridge, and we are grateful to Congress for recognizing the need.”

The package includes key programs that will benefit a number of sectors of the economy, including:

• Funding of $284 billion for continuation of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) small business loans that helps employers keep workers who otherwise might go on unemployment
• Stimulus checks of up to $600 for individuals
• $300 a week in enhanced unemployment insurance
• 15 percent increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for six months
• $400 million in Emergency Food Assistance Program, which will help food banks meet surging demand

Key provisions specifically related to agriculture include:

• Increased spending for ag producers and processors impacted by the economic fallout of the coronavirus (supplement to CFAP assistance program)
• $1.5 billion for commodity and food purchases
• $100 million for specialty crop block grants
• $75 million for Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program
• $20 million for Agricultural Research Service
• $7 billion for rural broadband

A statement from the NRA states that the plan includes several items that will benefit restaurants, most importantly the second round of access to the PPP, with unique provisions aimed to assist the restaurant industry, which continues to endure unparalleled job and revenue losses.

“The action taken by Congress today will keep tens of thousands of restaurants from closing in the coming months,” said Tom Bené, President and CEO of the NRA. “A second round of PPP, combined with unique enhancements for the restaurant sector, will provide critical access to capital. Restaurant operators and their employees are dedicated to serving their communities, and today’s bipartisan agreement will give them the opportunity to do that through the holidays. However, the long-term economic challenges facing independent, franchise, and chain restaurants will not end with the new year, and we will continue to press federal and state leaders for the support that will put us on the road to recovery.”

Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for the NRA, also commented on the importance of this agreement.

“Restaurants have waited months for a comprehensive relief bill that reflects the magnitude of this crisis,” said Kennedy. “Today’s bipartisan action is a ‘down payment’ that recognizes the unique damage the pandemic is inflicting on our industry. Congress heard from us and hundreds of thousands of our restaurant members about basic steps to improve PPP for our industry—and they listened. We appreciate Senate and House Leadership, key committee chairs and ranking members, and the group of moderates, each of whom played a critical role in this process. There is much more to be accomplished, and we will continue to press in 2021 at the federal, state, and local level on behalf of the industry, our employees, and our customers.”

As more news comes to light surrounding this monumental agreement, the PMA and NRA plan to make the most relevant industry updates readily available. Keep an eye out for further reports from AndNowUKnow.

Produce Marketing Association National Restaurant Association