Apply ASAP for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

Attention Farmers:

USDA has announced the eligibility criteria and application process for farmers to receive direct payments through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). USDA began accepting applications on Tuesday, May 26th and funds will be disbursed on a first come, first serve basis. 

NOC recommends that farmers who plan to apply immediately contact their local FSA offices. If you are interested in this program your first step should be to contact your FSA office and talk to them about applying. Do not send FSA information before you contact your office by phone.  If you have not worked with the FSA before and do not know your local office's location, there is a "Find Your Local Service Center" tool at the bottom of the CFAP page. 

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) Details

If you are considering applying to CFAP, we recommend watching this helpful 3-minute video from USDA to learn more about the process and begin getting your paperwork in order.

While the CFAP program is not ideally suited to organic and diversified producers, we urge all farmers to apply and report back on your experiences. NOC is currently advocating for Congress to provide funding for additional direct payments to farmers, and your feedback will help us advocate for necessary changes to meet the needs of organic farmers.  

Our partners at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) have put together a useful guide that may help producers determine if this program could benefit you.