As a reminder, the deadline to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is September 11, 2020. This program provides direct relief to producers who faced price declines and additional marketing costs due to COVID-19.
Over 130 specialty crop commodities are eligible for CFAP. All eligible commodities, payment rates, and calculations can be found on the USDA CFAP specialty crop page.
Customers seeking one-on-one support with the CFAP application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer general assistance. This is a recommended first step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center.
Producers have several options for applying to the CFAP program by the Sept. 11 deadline, all of which can be accessed on the USDA CFAP website:
- Using an online portal, which allows producers with secure USDA login credentials, known as eAuthentication, to certify eligible commodities online, digitally sign applications, and submit directly to the local USDA Service Center.
- Completing the application form using the CFAP Application Generator and Payment Calculator. This Excel workbook allows customers to input information specific to their operation to determine estimated payments and populate the application form, which can be printed, then signed, and submitted to their local USDA Service Center.
- Downloading and manually completing the AD-3114 application form to submit to the local USDA Service Center by mail, electronically, or by hand delivery to an office drop box.