Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act
Disaster Relief for Farm Workers Act would amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to create a formal, ongoing program of emergency relief for farm workers affected by covered disasters. Starting in fiscal year 2026, the Secretary (through the Under Secretary for Rural Development) would award grants to eligible farm worker organizations to provide emergency relief and to strengthen the capacity, resiliency, and infrastructure of farm worker communities. Eligible recipients include farm worker membership-based organizations or 501(c)(3) groups with experience in serving migrant or seasonal farm workers. Funds may be used for direct relief, capacity building, resiliency efforts, infrastructure (including shelters), and emergency services. Grants remain available until exhausted, and the Secretary must implement a promotional plan and consult with eligible organizations. A broad definition of “covered disaster” encompasses weather-related events, health crises (e.g., pandemics), and other conditions that reduce farm workers’ income or work opportunities.
Key Points
- 1Establishes an emergency relief grant program for farm workers during any period of a “covered disaster” starting in FY2026, administered by the Secretary via the Under Secretary for Rural Development.
- 2Grants go to eligible farm worker organizations to provide emergency relief, build capacity, increase resiliency, support infrastructure (including shelters), and deliver emergency services to affected farm workers.
- 3Funds awarded under this program remain available until fully expended; requires a promotional plan and consultation with eligible farm worker organizations.
- 4Defines “covered disaster” to include a wide range of adverse weather events, health crises, and other conditions that cause income loss or work disruption for farm workers.
- 5Defines eligible recipient organizations as farm worker membership-based organizations or 501(c)(3) organizations with demonstrated experience serving migrant or seasonal farm workers.