News Farmers Eligible For Additional $14 Billion In COVID-19 Relief

Farmers Eligible For Additional $14 Billion In COVID-19 Relief

Farmers Eligible For Additional $14 Billion In COVID-19 Relief
October 19, 2020 |

Alabama farmers facing continued market disruptions associated with COVID-19 may be eligible for additional financial assistance through the second phase of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2). CFAP 2 will include up to $14 billion in direct support for agricultural producers. 

CFAP 2 applications are due Dec. 11 at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. Access a list of eligible commodities and payment limitations at farmers.gov/cfap.

USDA will use funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act and Coronavirus Aid, Resources and Economic Security (CARES) Act to support row crops, livestock, specialty crops, dairy, poultry, aquaculture and additional commodities. USDA has incorporated improvements in CFAP 2 based on stakeholder engagement and public feedback to better meet the needs of impacted farmers. 

Alabama Farmers Federation National Affairs Director Mitt Walker said farmers are grateful for the additional funding, which will help lessen COVID-19’s detrimental impacts on agriculture.

“This assistance is critical as farmers face another year of depressed prices, market uncertainties and, most recently, catastrophic weather,” Walker said.

He noted the Federation is reviewing the details of CFAP 2 and will work closely with FSA to assist farmers in applying for help.

President Donald J. Trump made the announcement Sept. 17 with Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.

“America’s agriculture communities are resilient but still face many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Perdue said. “President Trump is once again demonstrating his commitment to ensure America’s farmers and ranchers remain in business to produce the food, fuel and fiber America needs to thrive.”

Producers interested in one-on-one support with the CFAP 2 application can speak directly with a USDA employee at (877) 508-8364. Visit farmers.gov/cfap to learn more

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