July 14, 2020
By: Jim Frankowiak
TAMPA, Fla. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had added additional commodities to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) along with other program adjustments based on comments received from agricultural producers and organizations and a review of market data.
Producers can now submit applications that include the new commodities and USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications through August 28, 2020 for CFAP, which helps offset price declines and additional marketing costs attributable to the pandemic. USDA anticipates expanding the list of additional eligible commodities over the coming weeks.
Changes to CFAP include:
- Adding the following commodities: alfalfa sprouts, anise, arugula, basil, bean sprouts, beets, blackberries, Brussel sprouts, celeriac (celery root), chives, cilantro, coconuts, collard greens, dandelion greens, greens (others not listed separately), guava, kale greens, lettuce – including Boston, green leaf, Lolla Rossa, oak leaf green, oak leaf red and red leaf – marjoram, mint, mustard, okra, oregano, parsnips, passion fruit, peas (green), pineapple, pistachios, radicchio, rosemary, sage, savory, sorrel, fresh sugarcane, Swiss chard, thyme and turnip top greens.
- Expanded seven currently eligible commodities – apples, blueberries, garlic, potatoes, raspberries, tangerines and taro – CARES Act funding for sales losses because USDA found these commodities had a 5 percent or greater price decline between mid-January and mid-April as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally, these commodities wee only eligible for marketing adjustments.
- Determined that peaches and rhubarb no longer qualify for payment under the CARES Act sales loss category.
- Corrected payment rates for apples, artichokes, asparagus, blueberries, cantaloupes, cucumbers, garlic, kiwifruit, mushrooms papaya, peaches, potatoes, raspberries, rhubarb, tangerines and taro.
Additional details can be found in the Federal Register, Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and Final Rule Correction, as well as at www.farmers.gov.cfap, which also offers assistance with the preparation of applications. New CFAP customers may receive one-on-one support by calling 877-508-864. Assistance is also available by scheduling an appointment at the USDA Service Center, 201 South Collins Street. Telephone: 813/752-1474.
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