USDA Unveils More Coronavirus Assistance Details for Agriculture

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, USDA unveiled the details behind the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). For major row crops like corn, soybeans, cotton, and sorghum, producers will be paid based on 50 percent of their total 2019 production or the 2019 inventory as of January 20th. For livestock producers, total payment will be based on a per head rate of the largest number of animals in inventory between April 16th and May 14th. Dairy producers will receive a payment on their certification of milk production for the first quarter of 2020, multiplied by a national price decline during the same time. The payment limitation, originally set at $125,000 has been increased to $250,000 and signup begins May 26th at local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices. Eligible producers will receive 80 percent of their total payment upon approval of their application, with the remaining funds paid at a later date.