USDA Providing Assistance to Cotton and Wool Clothing Manufacturers

USDA says it will commit $50 million to assist eligible apparel makers of wool suits, sport coats, pants, or Pima cotton dress shirts. 

The new Cotton and Wool Apparel Program is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative and the department’s efforts to help the food, agriculture, and forestry sectors get back on track. 

“The transition toward remote work at the start of COVID-19 led to a dramatic decrease in consumer demand for dress clothing, which has continued to affect the entire supply chain of cotton and wool,” says Farm Service Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. 

“While many manufacturers switched to making personal protective equipment, the industry is still struggling to recover from a persistent and significant decline in sales.” 

In the announcement, FSA also says the relief will help keep these manufacturers in business, which will ultimately support American workers and the domestic cotton growers and wool producers who rely on this industry.

(Story Courtesy of the NAFB News Service)