The USDA is dedicating at least $6 billion toward new programs and efforts to bring financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and producers that have been impacted by the pandemic. This initiative will reach a broader set of producers than previous aid programs, the agency said in a statement, putting a greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers, specialty crop and organic producers, timber harvesters, and companies along the food supply chain.
“The pandemic affected all of agriculture, but many farmers did not benefit from previous rounds of pandemic-related assistance. The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to helping as many producers as possible, as equitably as possible,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, in a statement. “Our new USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative will help get financial assistance to a broader set of producers, including to socially disadvantaged communities, small and medium sized producers, and farmers and producers of less traditional crops.”
The USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative has four parts, which include investing $6 billion to expand help and assistance to more producers, adding $500 million of new funding to existing programs, and carrying out formula payments under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, while simultaneously reopening the program to more producers.
The USDA will reopen sign-up for the CFAP for at least 60 days beginning on April 5. The USDA Farm Service Agency has committed at least $2.5 million to improve outreach for this round and will establish partnerships with organizations with strong connections to socially disadvantaged communities to ensure they are informed and aware of the application process.
Related: Regulatory Movement Amid the Pandemic; Tom Vilsack Confirmed as Agriculture Secretary.