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USDA food assistance applications open through Aug. 31

June 1, 2020

Agricultural producers can now apply for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which provides direct payments to offset impacts from the coronavirus pandemic.

The application and a payment calculator are now available online, and USDA’s Farm Service Agency staff members are available via phone, fax and online tools to help producers complete applications. The agency set up a call center in order to simplify how it serves new customers across the nation.

“We know Delaware producers are facing a tough time now, and we are making every effort to provide much-needed support as quickly as possible,” said Sean McKeon, state executive director for FSA in Delaware. “FSA is available over the phone and virtually to walk you through the application process, whether it’s the first time you’ve worked with FSA, or if you know us quite well.”

Applications will be accepted through Friday, Aug. 28. Through CFAP, USDA is making available $16 billion for vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a 5 percent or greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.

“We also want to remind producers that the program is structured to ensure the availability of funding for all eligible producers who apply,” McKeon said.

In order to do this, 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 nationwide as funds remain available.

To download the CFAP application and other eligibility forms, go to www.farmers.gov/cfap. Producers can also find a payment calculator to help identify sales and inventory records needed to apply and calculate potential payments.

Producers in search of one-on-one support with the CFAP application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance. This is a good first step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center.

Sussex County producers of all eligible commodities will apply through the Georgetown FSA office. Those who use the online calculator tool will be able to print off a pre-filled CFAP application, sign, and submit electronically or via hand delivery, whichever the FSA prefers. The Georgetown Farm Service Agency office is at 21315 Berlin Road, Georgetown. For more information, contact Caitlin Sheffer at caitlin.sheffer@de.usda.gov or Thelton D. Savage Jr. at Thelton.Savage@de.usda.gov, or call 302-856-3990, Ext 2.

Documentation to support the producer’s application and certification may be requested after the application is filed. 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.

 

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