FLA Applauds Introduction of Market Disruptions Relief Act to Support Harvesters, Haulers & Family Forest Businesses
The Forest Landowners Association (FLA) welcomes the introduction of the Timber Harvesters, Haulers, and Landowners Market Disruptions Relief Act (H.R. 7195) in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA), legislation that would provide a critical new safety net for forest product harvesting and hauling businesses, as well as family forest businesses affected by significant market disruptions.
“Family forest businesses and timber producers supporting the forest economy face extraordinary challenges when markets are disrupted by mill closures, trade barriers, price declines, or other economic shocks,” said Scott Jones, FLA CEO. “This bill recognizes the unique and essential role these businesses play in sustainable forest management and rural economies, and it offers a practical way to help them weather tough market conditions.”
A Targeted Response to Market Volatility
Under H.R. 7195, when a market disruption is formally declared, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) would administer a temporary financial assistance program through the Farm Service Agency (FSA).
Eligible entities — including forest product harvesting businesses, hauling operations, and landowners who derive revenue from timber grown on their land — could receive:
- Immediate support payments to address cash-flow challenges.
- Additional payments tied to documented revenue losses, with the possibility of continued assistance for up to five years if market conditions remain weak.
Funds would be sourced from existing anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imported softwood lumber, ensuring that the program can operate without new discretionary spending.
Payments received under the program would be designated strictly for operational needs — such as payroll, fuel, equipment repairs, and debt service — or for investments that help expand access to new market opportunities.
Filling a Gap in Federal Support
While past USDA pandemic assistance programs provided short-term relief to timber harvesters and haulers during COVID-19, those efforts were temporary and limited in scope. H.R. 7195 represents the first standing federal mechanism designed to respond quickly and directly to non-pandemic economic disruptions in forest markets.
“This proposal would help ensure that when the forest economy is stressed — whether by mill closures, international trade barriers, or dramatic price swings — the backbone of rural forest communities isn’t left without tools to stay in business,” added Jones.
FLA Support and Next Steps
The Forest Landowners Association is actively engaging with members of Congress and key stakeholders to advance the bill through the House Agriculture Committee and beyond. FLA will continue to provide timely updates and guidance to family forest businesses as the legislative process unfolds.
More information about H.R. 7195 can be found here.