Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released detailed information on the new aid package to mitigate farmers’ losses from ongoing trade disputes. Producers will have the opportunity to enroll in the new Market Facilitation Program (MFP) from July 29, 2019 – Dec. 6, 2019.
MFP assistance is available to non-specialty crops, including corn, based on a single county payment rate multiplied by a farm’s total 2019 plantings of MFP-eligible crops. County payment rates range from $15-$150 per acre, depending on the impact of unjustified trade retaliation in that county, as determined by USDA.
MFP payments will be made in three tranches: the first of which will be made in mid-to-late August. The initial payment will be comprised of the higher of either 50% of a producer’s calculated payment or $15 per acre, which may reduce potential payments to be made in the later tranches.
Access the complete list of county rates HERE.
According to the USDA, “producers who filed a prevented planting claim and planted an FSA-certified cover crop, with the potential to be harvested qualify for a $15 per acre payment. Acres that were never planted in 2019 are not eligible for an MFP payment.”
For complete details and information, refer to the USDA release or visit www.farmers.gov/mfp.