USDA commits up to $16B in direct support to ranchers & farmers with business affected by COVID-19
Farmers and ranchers, those entrepreneurs in the livestock or crop producing industry affected by COVID-19, may qualify for financial relief from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA committed to providing $16 billion in direct support to agricultural producers where prices and market supply chains have been impacted and to assist producers with additional adjustment and marketing costs resulting from lost demand and short-term oversupply for the 2020 marketing year caused by COVID-19. On May 19, 2020; the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released details on the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and announced the signup period will run from 26 May 2020 to 28 August 2020. In providing direct support to farmers and ranchers, USDA is drawing on two separate authorities: $9.5 billion from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) and $6.5 billion from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). If you are a livestock or crop producer, take the time to determine if you qualify. See the Texas A&M Agricultural and Food Policy Center CFAP Overview. Enrolling in the program is conducted at local Farm Service Agency offices though August 28, 2020.
Farmers and rancher can keep up on CFAP and other agricultural issues at Texas Agriculture Law Blog.
