COLUMBIA, Mo. University of Missouri Extension economists have prepared an online overview of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to help producers.
Signup for direct relief due to COVID-19 began May 26 and ends Aug. 28 at local USDA Farm Service Agency offices, MU Extension economist Scott Brown said.
MU Extension agriculture business and policy specialists created the educational pieces to help producers understand the program before they visit their local FSA offices during unusual work environments due to COVID-19. See extensiondata.missouri.edu/Pro/AgBusinessPolicyExtension/Docs/CFAP-program.pdf for MU Extension's guide.
The guide offers eligibility requirements, examples, videos and calculators.
Producers must make telephone appointments with FSA representatives or email them. They also may apply online.
If you are an existing customer, much of the required information likely will be on file at the FSA office. If not, prepare by having your personal information, tax identification number and direct deposit information. Be prepared to explain your farm operating structure and have information regarding your adjusted gross income compliance certification to ensure eligibility. Applicants will self-certify but should keep records for spot checks and audits.
Brown said payment details are complicated and "everyone won't be happy, but they will be happy to see payments headed their way." Not all commodities are eligible.
Eligible farmers and livestock producers will receive 80 percent of their calculated payment now under the CFAP plan. The remaining 20 percent, not to exceed the payment limit, will come later this year, depending on remaining monies available under the total $16 billion CFAP monies.
Eligible commodities must have suffered a 5 percent or more price decline or serious supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19. Income restrictions apply for individuals and different legal entities.
Applications are available at www.farmers.gov/cfap.