The USDA Has Reopened Their COVID Assistance Program

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Who qualifies for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program?

Known as CFAP, the Coronavirus Food Assistant Program 2 has reopened through the USDA as part of the PAP initiative. PAP stands for Pandemic Assistance for Producers. If you are a farmer or rancher, this food assistance program is for you.

According to Farmers.gov, "U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced an expansion of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) on March 24, 2021. This is part of a larger effort to reach a greater share of farming operations and improve USDA pandemic assistance."

What can you expect?

Organizations like the FSA, Farm Service Agency, which has committed at least $2 million to establish partnerships and direct outreach efforts intend to improve outreach for FSA programs, including CFAP 2, and will cooperate with grassroots organizations with strong connections to socially disadvantaged communities.

The USDA reopened CFAP 2 signup for all eligible producers on April 5, 2021.

A deadline for signup will be announced at a later date.

Which types of farms and ranches qualify?

"Most of the crops and livestock raised in Texas, including many of them raised in our area, are eligible commodities for this program,” said CED Darrin Watkins, county executive director for FSA in Calhoun County according to Jennifer Flores of Crossroads Today, which you can read in more detail here.

Specialty crops are included in the list as well.

What if I need help with the application or have questions?

Mr. Watkins offers that producers are encouraged to contact the Calhoun County FSA office at 361-552-2969, ext. 2 for assistance on the process to complete an application.

Or you can visit farmers.gov/cfap for more information on the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, including eligible commodities, producer eligibility, payment limitations and structure, and the latest program resources.