Small businesses in Arizona are feeling the impact of the escalating trade war and a freeze on federal grants. Many business owners, like Rachel Opio of Little Lighthouse Farm, were relying on these grants to expand and improve their businesses. Opio, an urban farmer in Phoenix, started her farm in 2022 to cope with the loss of her mother and now aims to feed more people in her community with nutrient-dense produce.
The freeze on federal grants, including the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), has left Opio and over 70 other rural businesses in limbo. Jason Lowry of Local First Arizona said the freeze could lead to bankruptcies and cause a chain reaction of financial struggles for these businesses.
Opio is hopeful that lawmakers will find a solution to undo the freeze quickly. Without these grants, many farmers and businesses may struggle to afford to grow food, leading to potential food shortages in the future. Rep. Yassamin Ansari is discussing the issue with others in the Arizona delegation to find a solution for affected businesses.
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