Disaster Relief for Farmworkers Act of 2025
Disaster Relief for Farmworkers Act of 2025 would amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to create a federally funded emergency relief program for farmworkers. When a “covered disaster” (including extreme weather events, health crises such as pandemics, or other conditions that reduce farm income or work opportunities) is determined to be affecting farmworkers, the Secretary, through the Under Secretary for Rural Development, would make grants to eligible farmworker organizations. These organizations would provide emergency relief to farmworkers, with funds usable for direct relief, capacity building, resiliency, infrastructure (including shelter), and other emergency services. The program would operate starting in fiscal year 2024 and continue in future years, with funds remaining available until expended and subject to a required promotional plan and consultation with eligible organizations.
Key Points
- 1Creates an emergency relief grant program for farmworkers during a covered disaster, administered by the USDA’s Under Secretary for Rural Development acting on behalf of the Secretary of Agriculture.
- 2Defines “covered disaster” broadly to include adverse weather (e.g., droughts, floods, heat, hurricanes, wildfires, etc.), health crises (e.g., pandemics), and other events that cause farm income/work disruption.
- 3Eligible recipients are either (a) farmworker membership-based organizations or (b) 501(c)(3) organizations with experience in supporting or relief for farmworkers (including migrant or seasonal workers).
- 4Authorized uses of funds include direct emergency relief to workers, building organizational capacity, increasing resiliency, supporting necessary infrastructure (including shelter), and providing emergency services as determined appropriate.
- 5Funds remain available until expended; requires a pre-grant promotional plan and ongoing consultation with eligible farmworker organizations.