Teresa Hoffman, policy communications associate, teresah@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext. 1012; or Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, rheal@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext. 1025
LYONS, NEBRASKA – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to accept applications for the new Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2). This program will offer payments to farmers and ranchers who may have suffered economic impacts caused by the coronavirus.
More than $10.2 billion in payments were awarded to farmers and ranchers during the first round of CFAP, which favored more conventional producers with larger or less diverse operations. While these producers remain eligible, CFAP 2 is a good opportunity for smaller or specialty farmers to apply for funds, as eligible commodities and payment calculations have expanded.
“Many farmers and ranchers are eligible to apply for CFAP 2,” said Anna Johnson, policy manager for the Center for Rural Affairs. “This includes row crop and livestock producers, as well as those who produce newly-eligible commodities, such as broilers and eggs, additional specialty crops, and specialty livestock. If you have some pick-your-own pumpkins, or a few goats, or you sell honey, these sorts of commodities are also eligible for a payment, and you could receive a payment of roughly 10 percent of your 2019 revenue from those commodities.”
Those who received support through the first CFAP program are also invited to apply.
Under CFAP 2 the method of calculating payments has changed. The program categorizes commodities based on market impacts they experienced, and payment formulas vary by commodity. For example, payment for many livestock producers will be based on their maximum inventory between April 16 and Aug. 31.
Alternatively, for many fruit and vegetable producers, a payment will be calculated by multiplying the value of 2019 sales by a given percent level. The portion of sales from value-add activities is not eligible for payment.
“Farmers and ranchers do not need to provide sales and inventory records when applying, but must keep those records for three years in case their application is selected for follow-up review,” Johnson said, adding that applying is simple.
Applications will be accepted until Dec. 11. Farmers and ranchers can call their local Farm Services Agency office to apply; office phone numbers are listed at offices.usda.gov, or visit farmers.gov/cfap to learn about applying online. Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to reach out to the Center for Rural Affairs with questions as well.
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