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.