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We are reaching out to your organization and interested stakeholders today to help raise awareness on USDA’s announcement of Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers (PATHH). USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will host a stakeholder webinar tomorrow, Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 3:00 pm EST on eligibility requirements for the PATHH program announced today. We encourage you to share this webinar information with your interested stakeholders.
This webinar is an opportunity for timber harvesters and haulers to learn about the application process to participate in the program. Anyone interested in participating may register in advance for the webinar at: https://globalmeetwebinar.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1481800&tp_key=3d25a7e937.
After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. We encourage participants to submit questions through the Q & A box or by emailing fsaoutreach@usda.gov. Questions will be answered during the webinar.
A recording of the webinar will be made available afterwards at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/outreach-and-education/webinars/index.
WASHINGTON, July 20, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing up to $200 million to provide relief to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that have experienced losses due to COVID-19 as part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Loggers and truckers can apply for assistance through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) July 22 through Oct. 15, 2021. The Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers program (PATHH) is administered by FSA in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 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’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative promised to get financial assistance to a broader set of producers and today’s announcement delivers on that promise,” said Secretary Vilsack. “On top of the existing challenges associated with natural disasters and trade, the pandemic caused a major disruption for loggers and timber haulers including lack of access to wood processing mills. This industry plays a critical role in our nation’s economy and we are proud to support these hard-working loggers and truckers as they get back on track.”
“Like many facets of the agriculture industry, the logging industry has experienced its share of financial hardships throughout the pandemic,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We’re happy to work with the U.S. Forest Service to develop this new program to provide critically needed support.”
“We’ve heard from loggers and truckers whose livelihoods were significantly impacted this past year by the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are pleased that USDA can help alleviate some of the financial burden,” said Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen. “I encourage those logging and log-hauling businesses hardest hit by the pandemic to learn more about the assistance offered through this new program.”
Read the full release here!
Jessica Carlton
Legislative Affairs Specialist
Intergovernmental and Stakeholder Engagement
Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC)- Business Center
United States Department of Agriculture
Cell: 202-880-2591
Jessica.Carlton@usda.gov
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