Starting today (July 22), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications to provide relief to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that have experienced losses due to COVID-19 pandemic. It’s all a part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack gives some of the eligibility criteria for the new program.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 authorized this critical assistance for the timber industry. Timber harvesting and hauling businesses that have experienced a gross revenue loss of at least 10% during the period of Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2020, compared to the period of Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2019, are encouraged to apply. USDA is providing up to $200 million for this program.
The Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers program (PATHH) is administered by FSA in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.
Loggers and truckers can apply for assistance at USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) through Oct. 15, 2021. Visit farmers.gov/pathh for more information on how to apply.