On July 9, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released an initial list of additional commodities that have been added to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), and announced other adjustments to the program based on comments received from stakeholders. Producers will be able to submit applications that include these commodities on Monday, July 13, 2020 through Aug. 28, 2020. The USDA expects more eligible commodities to be announced in the coming weeks.
Changes to CFAP
- Added the following commodities: alfalfa sprouts, anise, arugula, basil, bean sprouts, beets, blackberries, brussels 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 for seven currently eligible commodities: apples, blueberries, garlic, potatoes, raspberries, tangerines and taro (CARES Act funding for sales losses because the 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 were 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.
Producers have several options for applying to the CFAP program, available at farmers.gov/cfap.
To learn more details on the CFAP program, find the initial McGuireWoods Consulting alert from April 2020 here.
