WASHINGTON, DC – USDA unveiled their new Pandemic Assistance for Producers program this week, establishing new programs and efforts to bring financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and producers who felt the impact of COVID-19 market disruptions. The new initiative is dedicating at least $6 billion toward the new programs. The Department will also develop rules for new programs, existing programs like the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) will be refined to better address the needs of producers. USDA will reopen sign-up for CFAP 2 for at least 60 days beginning on April 5, 2021. The payments will go out under the existing CFAP rules; however, future opportunities for USDA Pandemic Assistance will be reviewed for verified need, and during the rulemaking process, USDA will look to make eligibility more consistent with the Farm Bill.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)