Richard Blau | October 4, 2021
Many farmers are not aware of a key program that can help replace revenue lost due to the COVID-Pandemic. If you lost restaurant accounts or farmers market sales during 2020, or had other pandemic related business losses, the Corona Financial Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) may be able to help.
CFAP 2 provides producers with financial assistance that gives them the ability to absorb some of the increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. This is part of a larger initiative to improve USDA pandemic assistance to producers. Learn more at farmers.gov/cfap.
The federal government plans to make support payments totaling up to $1 billion. Fruit and vegetable growers and other specialty crop growers can get up 10.6% of their revenue replaced.
To be eligible, Farmers must apply by October 12, 2021. The Biden/Harris administration specifically extended the deadline to facilitate more participation from underserved farmers including Black, Latinx, and Asian farmers who have been affected by the pandemic.
Producers who need to submit a CFAP 2 application or modify an existing one can contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to receive one-on-one support. Alternatively, assistance is available via telephone by calling toll-free (877) 508-8364.
USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with FSA, as well as the Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for farm-related business needs. To locate the nearest FSA location, go online to offices.usda.gov.
Answers to frequently asked questions regarding CFAP 2, including eligibility requirements can be found here. Additional assistance is available from GrayRobinson’s Nationwide Food Law Group.
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