Additional Coronavirus Assistance for Ag Producers Announced

Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry Mike Strain, D.V.M., said the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing additional assistance for agricultural producers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). 

Now eligible for assistance are contract producers of swine, broilers, laying hens, chicken eggs and turkeys. Producers could receive up to 80% of their revenue loss subject to the availability of funds. Producers of pullets and turfgrass sod are also eligible for CFAP payments.

Updates to the program include expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities.  The USDA is also updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program. Producers who are now eligible and those who need to modify existing applications due to these updates can contact USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) between Jan. 19 and Feb. 26. 

“This program provides payments to farmers who suffered losses during the pandemic. I am hopeful this can help our ag producers who need assistance to stay afloat,” said Strain.

In May, the USDA announced up to $16 billion in direct payments to America’s farmers and ranchers who suffered losses. In September, another $14 billion was added to the program.

To learn more about this additional assistance and eligibility, visit farmers.gov/cfap or contact your local FSA.