By  Jonathan D. Salant | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

If you farmed in Nebraska, Illinois, or Iowa and needed help from the federal government because the coronavirus pandemic cut into your business, you likely got aid. After all, more than 9 out of 10 farmers did in those states.

But if you farmed in New Jersey, New Hampshire or Connecticut, no such luck. Fewer than 2 in 10 farmers in those states saw any federal help.

That’s because the COVID-19 assistance program funds were doled out according to existing farm formulas, which shortchanges New Jersey and other states without huge agribusinesses. The lion’s share of federal farm assistance goes to farms that grow wheat, corn, and soybeans at the expense of smaller farmers who grow fruits and vegetables.

In short, the feds say yes to sending aid for Iowa corn and no for Jersey tomatoes.

NJ Senator Cory Booker says he’s looking to even things out

If you liked this post, you will love our daily environmental newsletter, EnviroPolitics. It’s packed with the latest news, commentary, and legislative updates from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Delaware…and beyond. Don’t take our word for it, try it free for an entire month. No obligation