Government Shutdown affects Agriculture

Government Shutdown affects Agriculture

This week’s government shutdown has directly impacted several federal programs funded by appropriations. Those programs deemed essential to national security or funded by user fees will continue operating, some on a reduced basis. Most other employees have been affected by furloughs. (Source: USDA)

The following USDA activities will continue:

• Meat, poultry and processed egg inspection services.
• Grain and other commodity inspection, weighing and grading services funded by user fees.
• Inspections for import and export activities to prevent the introduction and dissemination of pests into and out of the U.S.
• Forest Service law enforcement and emergency and natural disaster response efforts.
• Continuity and maintenance of some research measurements and research-related infrastructure, such as germplasm, seed storage, and greenhouses.
• Care for animals, plants and associated infrastructure to preserve agricultural research.

Most other USDA activities may not be continued during a government shutdown. These activities include:

• All farm loans and other farm payments (including direct payments, market assistance loans, and disaster assistance programs).
• Provision of conservation technical and financial assistance (such as Conservation Reserve Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and easement programs).
• Provision of new rural development loans and grants for housing, community facilities, utilities and businesses.
• Agricultural export credit and other agricultural trade development and monitoring activities.
• All recreation sites across the U.S National Forest System.
• Most forest fuels reduction activities in and around communities.
• Market news reports, NASS statistics, and other agricultural economic and statistical reports and projections.
• Investigation of packers and stockyards related to fraudulent and anti-competitive activities.
• Assistance for the control of most plant and animal pests and diseases unless funded by cooperators or other non-appropriated sources.
• Research facilities except for the care for animals, plants and associated infrastructure to preserve agricultural research.
• Provision of new grants or processing of payments for existing grants to support research, education, and extension.
• ERS Commodity Outlook Reports, Data Products, research reports, staff analysis, and projections. The ERS public website would be taken offline.

A more complete list of agency contingency plans can be found on the White House website.

Related stories on the impact for Montana agriculture:

• Effects of US government shutdown felt in Montana parks, agricultural agencies, furloughs
• Shutdown effects are far-reaching in Montana
• Federal shutdown impacts South Dakota cattle producers