Steube Holds Meeting with Florida Cattlemen’s Association Executive Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) held a virtual meeting with the Florida Cattleman Executive Committee to discuss issues facing our ranchers due to COVID-19.
“The market volatility and losses for the meat industry have been unprecedented and devastating,” Steube said. “As we continue to watch the long-term effects on agriculture, we will respond appropriately to our farmers and ranchers here in Florida.”
Steube was joined on the call by farmers and ranchers from across the state, including representatives from the Florida Beef Council. Among topics discussed were changing wholesale prices, USA beef labeling, the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), and the Department of Justice’s ongoing potential antitrust violation investigation into the nation’s four largest meat packers.
The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program provides over $16 billion in direct relief for eligible farmers and ranchers who have suffered losses due to COVID-19. Earlier this month, Steube sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue urging them to allow producers who sold cattle after April 15, 2020, to be eligible for sales payment through the CFAP.
