Direct assistance to farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) was announced this week. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said the CFAP will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments as relief for farmers and ranchers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box program is purchasing $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat to deliver boxes to Americans in need, especially in areas where workforces have been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and food service entities. Beginning May 26, the USDA through the Farm Service Agency will begin accepting applications from agricultural producers who have suffered losses. CFAP provides assistance for those who have suffered a 5% or greater price decline due to the pandemic and those who face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, or disruptions to shipping patterns.

Non-specialty crops eligible for CFAP payments include malting barley, corn, oats, soybeans, sunflowers, and more. Livestock producers are eligible for those with cattle, lambs, yearlings, and/or hogs. Dairy producers are eligible.

The payment limit is $250,000 per person or entity for all commodities combined. Applications will be accepted through August 28th, find application information here.