USDA To Begin Accepting Applications for Agriculture Industry Relief
CLEBURNE, TX – Congressman Roger Williams (R-TX-25) announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications on May 26, 2020 for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to provide payments directly to farmers and ranchers hurt by COVID-19.
"Our Texan farmers and ranchers continue to work around the clock every day of the year, despite facing extraordinary challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their spirit of determination and resiliency will pull us through this crisis and I am grateful for the tireless hours they put in to keep food on our tables," said Congressman Williams. "I thank President Trump and Secretary Perdue for working with Congress to provide relief for producers, and I am proud to help ensure they are supported as we continue moving our nation forward."
CFAP gives financial support to agriculture producers who have experienced a 5% or greater price decline because of COVID-19 or have suffered because of lower demand, surplus production, and unusual shipping patterns. Farmers and ranchers will receive direct support from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES)Act and the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act.
Eligible commodities include non-specialty crops, such as barley, canola, corn, upland cotton, millet, oats, soybeans, sorghum, sunflowers, durum wheat and hard red spring wheat; wool; cattle, lambs, yearlings and hogs; dairy; and specialty crops such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans and mushrooms. Producers must be compliant with Highly Erodible Land Conservation Compliance Provisions to be eligible for funds.
The application process begins May 26, 2020 and ends August 28, 2020. Requirements for applicants can be found at www.farmers.gov/cfap. Producers will apply through their local FSA office and payment calculators will be available once applications open on May 26.
Background:
Congressman Williams supported the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was signed into law by President Trump, and wrote to Secretary Perdue urging USDA to include dairy farmers in the bill's funding authorized for the agriculture industry and to provide swift relief for cattle producers nationwide.
Congressman Roger Williams represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas and serves as a member of the House Committee on Financial Services.