Last Thursday the USDA released information regarding the issuance of the first Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments. This federal program assists farmers and ranchers whose operations have been directly impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.
The farm team at Wichert Insurance understands how challenging and difficult these times are for our farmers and we encourage you to take a look at the CFAP to see if you may qualify for aid. Farmers are faced with enough risk as it is. Let us complete a risk review to ensure that your insurance program is meeting your needs.
Click "here to email" <jason [dot] barrera [at] wichert [dot] com> me or call me at 740-743-1822.
We hope you are staying safe and staying healthy.
Jason Barrera, Account Executive
PRESS RELEASE June 4, 2020.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already approved more than $545 million in payments to producers who have applied for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. FSA began taking applications May 26, and the agency has received over 86,000 applications for this important relief program.
“The coronavirus has hurt America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers, and these payments directed by President Trump will help this critical industry weather the current pandemic so they can continue to plant and harvest a safe, nutritious, and affordable crop for the American people,” said Secretary Perdue. “We have tools and resources available to help producers understand the program and enable them to work with Farm Service Agency staff to complete applications as smoothly and efficiently as possible and get payments into the pockets of our patriotic farmers.”
- The report can be viewed at farmers.gov/cfap.
- FSA will accept applications through August 28, 2020.
Getting Help from FSA
- New customers seeking one-on-one support with the CFAP application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer general assistance.
- Producers can download the CFAP application and other eligibility forms from farmers.gov/cfap.
- Also, on that web page, producers can find a payment calculator to help producers identify sales and inventory records needed to apply and calculate potential payments.
- Those who use the online calculator tool will be able to print a pre-filled CFAP application, sign it, and submit it to your local FSA office either electronically or via hand delivery through an office drop box.
Policy Clarifications & More Information
- FSA has been working with stakeholder groups to provide further clarification to producers on the CFAP program.
- To find the latest information on CFAP, visit farmers.gov/cfap or call 877-508-8364.
- USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing.
- More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.