Agricultural producers can apply for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) through August 28, 2020. Producers of all eligible commodities, which includes livestock, dairy production, nonspecialty crop and wool, and specialty crops can apply through their local FSA office. This program provides direct payments to offset impacts from the coronavirus pandemic. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff members are available via phone, fax and online tools to help producers’ complete applications.
Through CFAP, USDA is making available $16 billion for vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-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.
The program is structured to ensure the availability of funding for all eligible producers who apply.
In order to do this, producers will receive 80 percent of their maximum total payment upon approval of the application. The remaining portion of the payment, not to exceed the payment limit, will be paid at a later date nationwide, as funds remain available.
Documentation to support the producer’s application and certification may be requested after the application is filed. FSA has streamlined the signup process to not require an acreage report at the time of application and a USDA farm number may not be immediately needed.
More information about this program in available online at farmers.gov/cfap. Sebastian, Crawford and Scott County producers can contact your local Farm Service Agency at 479-464-8300 Ex. 2 for more information.
USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.
