This week, farmers may start applying for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). This program provides direct payments to offset impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CFAP application and other eligibility forms are available on the USDA’s CFAP page. This page has a number of CFAP resources for farmers, including a payment calculator to help identify sales and inventory records needed to apply and calculate potential payments.
Farmers may access additional one-on-one CFAP application support by calling 877.508.8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee.
Additionally, the Ag and Food Policy Center at Texas A&M University has produced a CFAP guide that may be of assistance for farmers beginning this process.
How to apply
Farmers have from now through August 28, 2020, to apply for this additional financial assistance at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) Service Center. These service centers are open for business by phone appointment only, so farmers should call to schedule an appointment. Find your local service center by using the tool at the bottom of THIS page.
Farmers who use the CFAP payment calculator tool may print a pre-filled CFAP application to submit to your local FSA office either electronically or via hand delivery.
After the application is filed, supporting documentation for the application and certification may be requested.
More details
USDA Resources
- CFAP page
- Call 877.508.8364
- Texas FSA news release