For many family farmers reeling from the economic turmoil of COVID-19, sorely needed emergency relief never came because the government programs intended to serve them were targeted to the largest and wealthiest farms. To date, farm relief programs have proven unworkable for most small-scale, diverse, and value-added producers (e.g. organic, local, grassfed).
This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is launching a second round of COVID-19 relief payments that will hopefully reach more farmers who were left out of previous aid programs.
Learn more about the USDA’s revamped Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP-2) using the links below.
But know that while these changes are welcome steps in the right direction and only happened because people like you spoke up, more must be done to assure truly sufficient and fair relief to our family farmers. We at CAFF are still urging Congress to enact the Local and Regional Farmer and Market Support Act (HR 8096) which goes much further to ensure a comprehensive and equitable approach to help small and mid-scale farms, farmers markets, and local food businesses cope with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay tuned.
- What is CFAP-2?
- Who is eligible?
- What commodities are eligible and how are payments calculated?
- How can farmers apply?
- What documentation will be required?
- Is CFAP-2 right for me?
This information is made possible through our alliance in D.C., the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.