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HIGHLAND COUNTY, OH—This week, Congressman Brad Wenstrup (OH-02) voted to make farmers eligible for Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans. The change was made as part of the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.

“Ohio’s farmers are true patriots who continue to push on, keeping food on Americans’ tables. During these unprecedented times, however, we must give our farmers the tools necessary to keep operating their businesses. I’m pleased that we’ve extended this program to farmers so they can access much-needed capital through Small Business Administration loans that will help our farmers keep performing their vital work,” said Congressman Wenstrup.

Background:

The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) is an existing SBA program. It allows businesses with fewer than 500 employees to apply for a loan of up to $2 million if their state has had an economic disaster declaration approved by the SBA. Agricultural businesses are typically ineligible for EIDL because they are covered by existing programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, due to the unique nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, USDA disaster provisions were not available, leaving farmers without much-needed financial assistance.

The Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act provides an additional $60 billion in funding to the EIDL program and clarifies that agricultural businesses are eligible.

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