Neugebauer Responds to USDA Cotton Ginning Cost-Share Program

WASHINGTON – Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas) released the following statement today in response to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announcing limited cost-share assistance through its new Cotton Ginning Cost-Share program:

“I know producers have been waiting for this announcement on ginning cost-share assistance from USDA, and I am pleased to see the Department put some assistance in place. This is not producers’ first choice for how USDA could have addressed the downturn in cotton, and I agree that more could have been done by designating cottonseed as an eligible oilseed. The economic challenges facing cotton producers in our area are significant, and when farmers are in trouble, the whole community is affected.

“I appreciate that signup for this assistance will begin later this month and am hopeful that use of existing acreage and cost information will help get assistance to producers in a timely manner.

“As this assistance is implemented, I will continue to support the farm communities that keep this nation running as I work with House Agriculture Committee Chairman Conaway to provide longer-term relief on this issue.”

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