The U.S. Department of Agriculture has processed more than 220,000 Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) payments to farmers and ranchers. In a weekly update, USDA data shows the department has issued $2.8 billion to farmers so far, with Iowa producers receiving the most, at $144 million for row crops and $150 million for livestock. Iowa also accounts for the highest number of non-specialty crop applications, at more than 20,000.
According to the USDA, 112,000 non-specialty crop producers have received more than $758 million, while roughly 1,500 specialty crop growers have received $53 million. Payments to livestock producers total $1.4 billion, while payments to the dairy sector total $667 million. CFAP provides financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities with financial support that gives them the ability to absorb sales losses and increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
USDA will continue to accept applications for the program through August 28, 2020. Resources for farmers regarding the payments are available at www.farmers.gov/cfap.
(From the National Association of Farm Broadcasters)