Farmers and ranchers who have suffered losses related to the COVID-19 pandemic will be able to apply for a federal aid program, beginning next week. The U.S. Agriculture Department announced Tuesday sign-ups will start May 26th for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Farmers to Families Food Box.

The American Farm Bureau says many farmers have faced "unprecedented losses" from a breakdown in distribution channels during the pandemic.

Local Congressman Kevin McCarthy issued this statement on assisting impacted farmers:

"They, like many American businesses, have been hit extremely hard by the economic fallout from COVID-19. Though these increased payments are a step in the right direction, this is by no means enough, especially as many agricultural producers will potentially experience millions of dollars in losses due to the coronavirus pandemic. California is the fifth-largest agriculture producer in the world, and under the current circumstances, the need to have a secure food supply is more evident than ever."