USDA is seeking nominations to fill five open seats on the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB). The deadline is June 1, 2020.

First established in 2001, the NOSB considers and makes recommendations on a wide range of issues involving the production, handling, and processing of organic products. The NOSB also has special responsibilities related to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances, which identifies the substances that may be used, or not used, in organic crop production and processed organic products.

The board consists of 15 USDA-appointed individuals, with each member serving a five-year term and representing a specific sector of the organic community. The positions open for appointment include: two individuals who own or are employed by an organic farming operation; two individuals who represent public or consumer interest groups; and one individual who is a USDA certifying agent. Click here to view the full list of current members.

Appointed individuals will be announced in fall 2020 and begin their term in January 2021. Members must attend two in-person meetings each year and participate in bi-monthly subcommittee conference calls. The USDA will reimburse members for approved travel and associated lodging expenses.

Interested parties must submit a resume and an AD-755 application form to [email protected] at the National Organic Program or mail it to:

USDA-AMS-NOP

1400 Independence Ave. S.W., Room 2642-S., Ag Stop 0268

Washington, DC 20250-0268

For additional questions contact Dennis Nuxoll ([email protected]) or Tracey Chow ([email protected]).

In an effort to highlight the extraordinary responses of Western Growers (WG) members to the COVID-19 crisis, WG launched an #AgIsEssential social media campaign in early April. To date, the campaign – which features selfie-style videos of WG members and compelling infographics – has reached nearly 1.2 million people on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

In an array of videos, WG members have shared positive messages about the role of agriculture in providing a safe, secure and healthy food supply in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, and have detailed the countless measures being taken to protect an essential workforce. 

Using the #AgIsEssential hashtag, the videos and graphics are tied together across WG’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Since early April, #AgIsEssential videos have been viewed more than 250,000 times, and more than 36,000 people have liked, commented or shared #AgIsEssential posts.

Because of its significant impact, WG plans to extend the campaign for the foreseeable future, and is encouraging all members to participate by recording selfie videos on their smart phones answering either or both of the following questions:

1. If you could say one thing to the public about your farming operation or the agriculture industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, what would it be?
2. What is your farming operation doing to ensure the health and safety of your workers during the COVID-19 pandemic?

We encourage you to record your video horizontally and in a field or where activity is occurring, being mindful of background noise and wind (use your body to shield the wind, if you can). Introduce yourself, where you are standing, and keep your comments brief, under a minute if you can. And remember, it is always easier to show rather than tell, so use visuals to help tell your story.

Please contact Cory Lunde at [email protected] if you have any questions, need further guidance, or would like to submit a video.

[VIDEO::https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5I54Vgc8X5WlxsX602l5nyhZnsMpFjNB::aVideoStyle]

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is now accepting new Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance applications from agricultural businesses.

Previously excluded from the EIDL, agricultural businesses were explicitly granted access to the loan program in the latest round of coronavirus relief funding. However, while additional funding had been provided to the EIDL, the application process remained closed to new applicants due to the unprecedented submission of applications already received.

At this time, only agricultural business applications will be accepted due to limitations in funding availability and unprecedented submission of applications already received. The application process will remain closed to other types of businesses.

Applicants who have already submitted their applications will continue to be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. For agricultural businesses that submitted an EIDL application through the application portal prior to the legislative change, SBA will process these applications without the need for re-applying.

SBA is encouraging all eligible agricultural businesses with 500 or fewer employees wishing to apply to begin preparing their business financial information needed for their application.

APPLY DIRECTLY TO SBA FOR THE EIDL LOAN AND EIDL ADVANCE PROGRAMS BY CLICKING HERE.

SBA has provided a slide show presentation providing additional details on the EIDL for agricultural producers.

FAQs and Other Important Information

What agricultural businesses are eligible for the EIDL Loan and EIDL Advance programs?

Agricultural businesses include those businesses engaged in the production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries (as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)).

How much can a business borrow?

SBA will determine your loan amount based on working capital needs.

What are the terms of the loan?

• Interest rates are 3.75 percent for small businesses
• Terms are up to 30 years
• Payments are deferred for one year

How can loan funds be used?

These are working capital loans, and can be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. These loans are not intended to replace lost sales/profits or for expansion.

What are the collateral requirements?

Economic Injury Disaster Loans over $25,000 require collateral, if available. General Security Interest (UCC) in business assets can be used to secure loans over $25,000. SBA will not decline a loan for lack of collateral.

How do I receive an advance?

You must check that you would like to be considered for an advance of up to $10,000 (towards end of application). You will need to provide bank account information where the funds will be deposited. The amount of the advance is determined by number of employees; $1,000 per employee up to a maximum of $10,000. The advance does not have to be paid back, and you do not have to qualify for loan to receive the advance. However, the advance will be subtracted from PPP forgiveness.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• There is no cost to apply
• There is no obligation to take the loan if offered
• Borrowers with current SBA loans, including existing SBA Disaster Loans, are eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans if they meet the criteria but they cannot be consolidated
• Example of information requested for application
  • Self-certify that business is an agricultural enterprise with not more than 500 employees
  • Business legal name, trade name, EIN or SSN for sole prop, organization type, business activity, number of employees
  • For the 12-month period prior to January 31, 2020:
    • Gross Revenues
    • Cost of Goods Sold
    • Cost of Operation, i.e. operating expenses
    • Compensation from other sources (reduces loan amount)

For more information on the EIDL Loan and EIDL Advance programs, visit the SBA Disaster Loan Applications webpage.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 13^th, at 10:00 a.m. (PT), CDFA and the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) will join Western Growers for a webinar discussing California’s recent expansion of the Farm to Family Program, which will provide additional resources and funding to support farm donations to food banks during this critical time.

Statewide food banks are facing significant demand and farm operations may have supply availability, as foodservice and other retail outlets are impacted by COVID-19. 

The CAFB’s Farm to Family Program works with farmers, ranchers and food processors to take surplus food products and distribute them to families in need. Funding is potentially available to offset some of the costs related to harvesting, packing and transporting the products.

Grimmway Farms President, Jeff Huckaby, and CAFB Farm to Family Director, Steve Linkhart, will be the guest speakers. WG Sr. Director, Membership, Kim Sherman, will moderate the webinar.

Click here to register.

Last Friday, May 8^th, USDA announced the contract awards for the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. The contracted suppliers are listed by region and dollars awarded.

The $1.2 billion program, which will provide $461 million in fresh fruits and vegetables, $317 million in dairy products, $258 million in meat products and $175 million for combination boxes, may eventually be expanded to up to $3 billion.

This program is part of the $19 billion agricultural relief packaged announced by USDA last month.

Click here to view the full list of contract awards.

On Thursday, May 14^th, at 10:00 a.m. (PT), USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) will host a webinar for farmers, ranchers and other producers interested in applying for direct payments through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).

The rule is not out, and the application period has not opened up. However, this webinar is an opportunity for producers to learn about the general application process and required documentation prior to the official beginning of signup. Producers interested in participating may register in advance for webinar by clicking here.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. USDA encourages participants to submit questions through the Q&A box or by emailing [email protected]. While questions will not be answered live during the webinar, answers will be posted at farmers.gov/CFAP.

USDA is hosting this webinar to share 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. More details about CFAP direct payments will be announced soon.

As part of the $19 billion Coronavirus Farm Assistance Program, USDA will provide $16 billion in direct support based on losses for agricultural producers where prices and market supply chains have been impacted. Also, USDA will assist eligible producers facing additional adjustment and marketing costs resulting from lost demand and short-term oversupply for the 2020 marketing year caused by COVID-19.

As part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), USDA will provide $16 billion in direct support to agricultural producers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. NOTE: USDA is not yet taking applications.

CFAP will provide direct support based on actual losses for agricultural producers where prices and market supply chains have been impacted. Additionally, CFAP will 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. 

USDA evaluated commodity specific losses occurring during the January to April time frame for immediate assistance. In addition, near-term adjustment costs and supply disruptions over the next few months were also evaluated to the extent possible for sectors where prices have declined significantly for additional assistance. 

CFAP is available to farmers regardless of size and market outlet, if they suffered an eligible loss. USDA cautions that the disruption to markets and demand is significant and these payments will only cover a portion of the impacts on farmers and ranchers. 

How to Apply

USDA will soon begin taking applications for CFAP. As part of applying for the program, you’ll need to contact the Farm Service Agency county office at your local USDA Service Center to schedule an appointment.

Click here to find your local service center.

What You Can Do Now

While the application process has not started, you can start gathering/understanding your farm’s recent sales and inventory. FSA has streamlined the signup process to not require an acreage report at the time of application and a USDA farm number may not be immediately needed.

Click here to review the information you’ll need and the forms you’ll be asked to complete. NOTE: Your local FSA staff will work with you to apply for the program.

How USDA Will Accept Applications

USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only. Once the application period opens, please call your FSA county office to schedule an appointment.

FSA staff will be working with agricultural producers by phone and using email, fax, mail, and online tools like Box to accept applications.

Click here to access USDA’s recently-updated FAQ on the CFAP.

Click here to access USDA’s CFAP webpage for additional information.

As part of USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), farmers will be able to apply for direct payments starting next week.

Beginning on May 26, 2020, producers of all eligible commodities may apply for assistance through their local USDA Farm Service Agency Service Center. Specialty crop producers are encouraged to complete the application forms ahead of the application date. Producers can locate their service center and find application forms and additional information at farmers.gov/cfap.

Additional guidance from USDA is detailed below:

Specialty Crops

Producers that fall into one of the following categories may be eligible to receive a direct payment:

• Sales with a price loss of 5% or more between January 15 and April 15, 2020. Almonds, artichokes, beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, sweet corn, cucumbers, eggplant, lemons, iceberg and Romaine lettuce, dry onions, peaches, pears, pecans, bell and other types of peppers, rhubarb, spinach, squash, strawberries and tomatoes are eligible. A full list of eligible crops can be found on farmers.gov/cfap. Additional crops may be deemed eligible at a later date.
• Shipments that left the farm by April 15 and spoiled due to no market or for which no payment was received. All specialty crops are eligible.
• Shipments that have not left farm or mature crops that remained unharvested by April 15. All specialty crops are eligible.

Eligibility

• There is a payment limitation of $250,000 per person or entity for all commodities combined.
• Applicants that are corporations, limited liability companies or limited partnerships may qualify for additional payment limits where members actively provide personal labor or personal management for the farming operation, defined as performing 400 hours of labor or management on the farm. In these cases, the corporation limit can be up to $750,000.
• Producers will also have to certify they meet the Adjusted Gross Income limitation of $900,000 unless at least 75 percent or more of their income is derived from farming-related activities.
• Producers must also be in compliance with Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation provisions.

Applying for Assistance

• Producers can apply for assistance beginning on May 26, 2020. Applications will be accepted through August 28, 2020.
• Additional information and application forms can be found at farmers.gov/cfap.
• Producers of all eligible commodities will apply through their local FSA office.
• Documentation to support the producer’s application and certification may be requested.
• FSA has streamlined the signup process to not require an acreage report at the time of application and a USDA farm number may not be immediately needed.

Payment Structure

• To ensure the availability of funding throughout the application period, producers will receive 80 percent of their maximum total payment upon approval of the application.
• The remaining portion of the payment, not to exceed the payment limit, will be paid at a later date as funds remain available.

USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment.

More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.