The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is now accepting applications for the second round of funding for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) through December 11, 2020. CFAP 2 features a new payment structure and simplified application process that will likely benefit many organic producers, including those ineligible and those that qualified for little relief in the first round of funding.
Farmers and ranchers are eligible to apply for CFAP 2 regardless of whether they received a payment from the first round of CFAP funding. In addition to increased payments for many commodities, USDA has significantly expanded the list of eligible commodities. CCOF encourages members to explore available resources to determine whether they should apply to CFAP 2.
Blog:
- This blog post from the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition describes the new payment system and application process in one detailed article: More Money Now Available to Farmers Impacted by the Pandemic
USDA Resources:
- The USDA CFAP 2 webpage includes all USDA resources, CFAP 2 application, commodity eligibility finder, and a price calculator.
- USDA payment calculator (in an easy to use excel spreadsheet format): CFAP Application Generator and Payment Calculator
Webinar recordings:
- Webinar hosted by National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) and Montana Organic Association (MOA): CFAP 2 It’s Better!!
- USDA Webinar: New CFAP 2 Producer Webinar
Additional resources:
If you prefer to speak with someone directly with questions about the program, please contact one of the following resources:
- A USDA Farm Service Agency CFAP Call Center is available for producers who would like additional one-on-one support with the CFAP application process: (877)-508-8364
- Spanish language support is also available through the same hotline
- Farm Aid hotline: 1-800-327-6243
- ATTRA hotline: (800) 346-9140 (English) or (800) 411-3222 (Español)
If you wish to speak to CCOF, please contact Noah Lakritz at nlakritz@ccof.org or via phone at (831) 346-6223. We welcome feedback and information about your experience applying to CFAP, which can inform our advocacy work.