The USDA Farm Service Agency will soon begin accepting applications for its Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). This program will provide direct payments to farmers and ranchers to offset losses resulting from price volatility and market supply-chain reductions from COVID-19. More details about CFAP direct payments will be announced soon.
If you’re a producer interested in applying, please register ASAP for a webinar tomorrow, Thursday, May 14, at 7:00 a.m., hosted by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and Farm Service Agency.
USDA will explain the general application process, the required documentation prior to the official beginning of signup, and what information is needed to apply for direct payments through CFAP once the application period begins. Producers who are new to participating in FSA programs are especially encouraged to join the webinar.
“Hawai‘i farmers and ranchers have been particularly hard hit compared to their mainland counterparts,” says Extension specialist Mark Thorne. “Sharply limited access to markets and lower prices at the gate are coupled with rising cost of production as a result of limited availability of imported production goods like fuel, feed, and fertilizer.
“CFAP is designed to offset losses to farmers and ranchers where market supply chains and prices are affected,” he adds. “Hawai‘i farmers and ranchers should tune into the webinar to learn about eligibility and the application process. This will prepare them for submitting an eligible application when the opportunity opens.”