The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers impacted by the pandemic.
Also, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farmers to Families Food Box program is partnering with regional and local distributors to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat and deliver boxes to Americans in need.
Beginning Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the Farm Service Agency, will be accepting applications from agricultural producers who have suffered losses.
CFAP provides vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a 5% or greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.
Categories of products included non-specialty crops and wool, livestock and specialty crops such as almonds, beans, broccoli, sweet corn, lemons, iceberg lettuce, spinach, squash, strawberries and tomatoes. Additional crops may be deemed eligible at a later date.
Producers will apply through their local FSA office.
Additional information and application forms can be found at farmers.gov/cfap.