News USDA Details Farm Support Package

USDA Details Farm Support Package

USDA Details Farm Support Package
August 8, 2019 |

Applications for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) are open through Dec. 6 at Farm Service Agency offices.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced details in July of the $16 billion package aimed at supporting American agricultural producers while the Trump Administration works on free, fair and reciprocal trade deals.

In addition to the MFP, the Food Purchase and Distribution Program and Agricultural Trade Promotion Program will assist farmers.

Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the announcement is good news for producers.

“President Trump is delivering on his promise to help producers sustain retaliatory tariffs imposed on our farmers by China,” Parnell said. “We encourage continued talks to reach a trade deal with China and appreciate the administration recognizing the urgent need our farmers are experiencing.” 

MFP payments will be made in up to three tranches, with the second and third tranches evaluated as market conditions and trade opportunities dictate. If conditions warrant, the second and third tranches will be made in November and early January, respectively. The first tranche will be comprised of the higher of either 50% of a producer’s calculated payment or $15 per acre, which may reduce potential payments to be made in tranches two or three.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin making first tranche payments in mid-to-late August.

Learn more and download the MFP application at farmers.gov.

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