The White House Office of Management and Budget on Friday, May 15, completed its review of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) plans to provide farmers with $16 billion in direct payments through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. That approval means USDA could announce signup for the COVID-19 relief program any day.

Although the program signup is not currently open, USDA is urging farmers and ranchers to begin several steps of the application process ahead of time.

Under the CARES Act, USDA will distribute $16 billion to farmers and ranchers affected by COVID-19. The program is open to farmers and ranchers regardless of size or market outlet if they suffered an eligible loss.

Another $3 billion will go toward purchases of commodities for distribution by food banks and faith-based programs through the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. USDA announced $1.2 billion in contracts for that program last week.

In a webinar hosted by USDA, the Farm Service Agency’s deputy administrator for farm programs highlighted several forms farmers and ranchers will have to complete to receive payments under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. The forms, also listed online, detail things like contact information, banking details and income specifics.

The webinar did not provide new details about how payments will be calculated, when signup is expected to begin or when payments can be anticipated.

A recording of the webinar and other CFAP information can be found at farmers.gov/CFAP.

As part of applying for the program, farmers and ranchers will need to contact the Farm Service Agency county office at your local USDA Service Center to schedule an appointment. Find your office at farmers.gov/cfap.

Your local FSA staff will work with you to apply for the program and through forms asking for this type of information:

  • Contact
  • Personal, including your Tax Identification Number
  • Farming operating structure
  • Adjusted Gross Income to ensure eligibility
  • Direct deposit to enable payment processing

Do not send any personal information to USDA without first initiating contact through a phone call.

FSA has streamlined the signup process to not require an acreage report at the time of application and a USDA farm number may not be immediately needed.

If you are an existing customer, this information is likely on file at your local Service Center.

What can you do now?
While the application process has not started, you can start gathering and understanding your farm’s recent sales and inventory.

How will USDA accept applications?
Due to COVID-19, USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only. Once the application period opens, please call your FSA county office to schedule an appointment.

FSA staff are working with farmers and ranchers by phone and using email, fax, mail and online tools to accept applications.

New to working with FSA?
FSA has county offices located at USDA Service Centers across the country. To find your office and more information on CFAP, visit farmers.gov/CFAP.