The Small Business Administration (SBA) has been called into question recently with its inclusion methods, or rather exclusion methods, concerning the agriculture industry. Many Ag groups have been lobbying the SBA to extend all their aid programs to farmers and ranchers. Apparently, they aren?t the only ones who are questioning what is going on.
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation budget chief RJ Karney, the SBA is not following the intent of the aid programs in the CARES Act. Over 30 groups are petitioning the agency to live up to the promise made by Congress and the White House.
Apparently, it isn?t just agriculture groups talking about this. Letters have come from the small business committees of both houses stating this is not what Congress intended when they passed the CARES Act.
Karney says the SBA is sticking to its mantra that helping farmers and ranchers is not in their purview. However, they have claimed that some Ag businesses qualify for their help.
Ag producers are eligible for the Payment Protection Program (PPP) through the SBA.
Karney says the SBA is sticking to its mantra that helping farmers and ranchers is not in their purview. However, they have claimed that some Ag businesses qualify for their help.
