PARIS, Ky. (WKYT) – For those in the local farming industry, like Ally Vallandingham, community support and partnerships are what keeps the lights on.
But recent cuts are now putting things in jeopardy for her Bourbon County farm.
“The cuts that are happening are drastic for a small farmer, so I do believe that it would be enough to put somebody under,” said Vallandingham, who co-owns Stepping Stone Farm.
CBS reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture is cutting two programs, the Local Food for Schools Program and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement.
These provide around $1 billion to schools and food banks across the nation to purchase fresh meat, dairy, and produce from local farms like Vallandingham’s.
Its a decision stemming from the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency.
“We were able to add positions here on the farm due to these programs and so now, we might have to look into cutting a few employees since we won’t have that set market we know we’ll be able to sell to,” she said.
Vallandingham said without the funding, schools and food banks may be left to purchase from wholesalers, leaving local farmers in the dust.
“This program really allowed students and families who needed a little extra help to get local produce, all of it from a farmer they might even know,” Vallandingham said.
She said there are ways folks can help local farmers right now.
“Talk to your local farmers and see how you can support them in these challenging times. The economy is rough on everybody, and so supporting one another is the best way to help,” she said.
The Associated Press said the USDA shared these programs were a legacy of the pandemic and no longer supported the agency’s priorities.
In a statement to the AP, a spokesperson with the USDA said “the covid era is over — USDA’s approach to nutrition programs will reflect that reality moving forward.”
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