Laura Beth Resnick, a dedicated flower farm owner, has found herself caught in the midst of a bureaucratic storm. Despite being approved for federal funds under President Joe Biden’s administration, she has yet to receive the financial support she desperately needs. The funding freeze put in place by former President Donald Trump during his time in office initially halted the disbursement of these funds, creating a ripple effect that continues to impact Resnick’s farm even after the freeze was officially rescinded. Speaking to CNN’s Sara Sidner, Resnick expressed her frustration and uncertainty, emphasizing the challenges she faces in keeping her farm operational without the promised assistance.
For Resnick, the situation is deeply personal. Running a flower farm is not just a business—it’s a labor of love. The funds she was supposed to receive were meant to help her navigate the financial pressures of farming, a profession already fraught with uncertainties such as unpredictable weather conditions and fluctuating market demands. The delay in funding has left her in a difficult position, struggling to maintain her operations while trying to plan for the future. “I’m just a farmer trying to do my work,” she said, conveying a sense of helplessness and determination. Her words highlight the human impact of policy decisions and bureaucratic delays on everyday people.
The funding freeze instituted by the Trump administration was part of a broader effort to curtail government spending, particularly in departments like the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). While the freeze was eventually lifted, the damage had already been done for many farmers and small business owners who rely on federal support to stay afloat. Resnick’s experience underscores the often-overlooked consequences of political decisions on those who work tirelessly to provide for their families and communities. The rescinding of the freeze brought some hope, but for Resnick, the funds are still nowhere to be seen.
Resnick’s story is not unique, but it serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of the agricultural sector. Farmers like her are often at the mercy of external factors beyond their control, from shifting government policies to global market trends. The funding freeze has exacerbated these challenges, leaving Resnick and others like her in a state of limbo. Despite her perseverance, she finds herself questioning whether the support she was promised will ever materialize. The uncertainty is taking a toll, both emotionally and financially, as she works to keep her farm running smoothly.
What makes Resnick’s situation even more dire is the broader context of the agricultural industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on farmers across the country, disrupting supply chains and forcing many to operate at a loss. For Resnick, the lack of federal funds has compounded the financial strain caused by the pandemic. Her story is a microcosm of the struggles faced by countless farmers who are battling to preserve their livelihoods in the face of unexpected challenges. The federal funding was meant to be a lifeline, but its absence has left her searching for alternative solutions.
Resnick’s voice carries a sense of resilience and determination, even as she struggles to make sense of the situation. She is not asking for handouts or special treatment—she is simply seeking the support that was promised to her and other farmers. Her story is a call to action, urging policymakers to consider the real-world consequences of their decisions. For Resnick, the fight is far from over, but she remains hopeful that one day, the funds will come through, and she can continue to tend to her flowers with the same passion and dedication that has always defined her work.
