S. 1661 — Disaster Relief for Farmworkers Act of 2025

This section revises the emergency assistance program for farmworkers (42 U.S.C. 5177a) by (1) defining "covered disaster" to include specified adverse weather events (e.g., drought, wildfire, hurricane, flood), health crises (e.g., pandemics), and other events causing farmworkers to lose income, be unable to work, or stay home or return home in anticipation of work shortages; (2) defining "eligible farmworker organization" as a farmworker membership-based organization or a 501(c)(3) organization with experience providing support or relief services to farmworkers, including migrant or seasonal farmworkers; (3) simplifying the definition of "migrant or seasonal farmworker" to an individual who performed farm work for wages during any consecutive 12-month period within the preceding 24 months and received at least half of total income from, or worked at least half of total time in, farm work (removing prior requirements for low family income not exceeding the higher of the poverty level or 70% of the lower living standard income level); and (4) removing the prior authorization of appropriations. The revised section requires the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Under Secretary for Rural Development, to make grants to eligible farmworker organizations for FY2024 and each succeeding fiscal year during any covered disaster period. Grant funds may be used to provide emergency relief (including direct payments) for disaster-related loss and damage; build capacity and resiliency in farmworker communities; support infrastructure including shelter; and deliver other appropriate emergency services. The section further makes funds available until expended; requires the Secretary to develop and implement a promotional plan for grants; and mandates consultation with eligible farmworker organizations.