This bill establishes a new program to provide emergency assistance to farm workers impacted by various disasters. Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Under Secretary for Rural Development, will award grants to eligible farm worker organizations . These grants are intended to deliver crucial support to farm workers during periods when a covered disaster has been determined. Funds from these grants can be utilized for a range of purposes, including providing direct emergency relief to farm workers, building capacity for future relief efforts, and enhancing community resiliency against future losses. They also support infrastructure, such as shelter, and other essential emergency services. A covered disaster is broadly defined to include adverse weather events like droughts or hurricanes, unexpected health crises such as pandemics, and other conditions that cause farm workers to lose income or be unable to work.
This bill establishes a new program to provide emergency assistance to farm workers impacted by various disasters. Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Under Secretary for Rural Development, will award grants to eligible farm worker organizations . These grants are intended to deliver crucial support to farm workers during periods when a covered disaster has been determined. Funds from these grants can be utilized for a range of purposes, including providing direct emergency relief to farm workers, building capacity for future relief efforts, and enhancing community resiliency against future losses. They also support infrastructure, such as shelter, and other essential emergency services. A covered disaster is broadly defined to include adverse weather events like droughts or hurricanes, unexpected health crises such as pandemics, and other conditions that cause farm workers to lose income or be unable to work.