Farmers can apply now for two of the expanded relief programs included in the recently adopted federal COVID-19 relief package.
The application window is open through March 31 for the second round of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program.
The program is open to businesses with fewer than 300 employees that show a 25 percent loss between comparable quarters in 2019 and 2020. Farmers and business owners can apply for the loans through a participating lender.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has reopened Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to producers who were not previously eligible but now qualify due to the relief bill. Newly eligible producers include:
- Contract producers of swine, broilers, laying hens, chicken eggs and turkeys who suffered a drop in revenue due to COVID.
- Producers of pullets and turfgrass sod.
In addition, USDA will allow certain producers to modify existing CFAP applications to reflect updated payment calculations. Click here for details on updated payment calculations for:
- Certain producers of specialty crops, aquaculture, tobacco, specialty livestock, nursery crops and floriculture.
- Certain producers with crop insurance coverage who grew barley, corn, sorghum, soybeans, sunflowers, and wheat.
In addition to those changes, hog producers who participated in the first round of CFAP will automatically receive a $17 per head additional payment.
Newly eligible producers who need to submit a CFAP application or producers who need to modify an existing one can do so through Feb. 26 by contacting their local USDA Service Center. New applicants can also obtain one-on-one support with applications by calling 877.508.8364.