US crop and livestock farmers see COVID-19 payments
In total, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making available up to US$14bn in this round for US crop and livestock producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19.
“America’s agriculture communities are resilient, but still face many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These payments … will continue to help this critical industry recoup some of their losses from ongoing market disruptions and associated costs,” said US Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue.
“This program builds upon the over US$10bn disbursed under the first round of CFAP. Agricultural producers who have been impacted by the pandemic since April 2020 are encouraged to apply for assistance,” he added.
Aquaculture producers have also been identified as potential recipients for such payments.
The FSA said it has incorporated improvements in CFAP 2 based on stakeholder engagement and public feedback, so now the scheme better meets the requirements of impacted farmers and ranchers.
The agency has approved more than 443,000 applications since CFAP 2 enrollment began on September 21.
The US states seeing the most payments are Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Illinois and Kansas, it reported.
Farmers and ranchers who participated in first round of payments are not automatically enrolled and must complete a new application for CFAP 2.
The FSA said it will accept CFAP 2 applications through to December 11, 2020.
