5th District Congresswoman Jahana Hayes has introduced the Helping America’s Farmers Act. This bill would create a new economic injury disaster loan program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency.  It's been endorsed by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Connecticut Farm Bureau Association, Connecticut Greenhouse Growers Association, Connecticut Nursery and Landscape Association, and Dairy Farmers of America among others.  Under the new loan program, applicants would also be eligible for a $20,000 grant upon application, and can seek forgiveness for their loan based on demonstrated economic hardship. Application priority is given to farmers and ranchers located in the areas hit hardest by an economic disaster, as well as minority, veteran and women-owned operations.