CFAP2

USDA’s second round of coronavirus farm relief assistance is expected to help more Idaho farmers than the first round.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s first Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which was announced April 17, provided a total of up to $16 billion in direct payments to farmers and ranchers impacted by the reactions to COVID-19.

The application period for the first CFAP program ended Sept. 11.

The USDA on Sept. 17 announced a second round of financial assistance – a total of $14 billion – to producers who have been directly impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

USDA’s Farm Service Agency is accepting CFAP 2 applications through Dec. 11.

Most classes of wheat and barley were excluded from eligibility for the CFAP 1 payments.

But now all classes of wheat and barley are eligible to apply for the CFAP 2 assistance.

“We’re very happy with that development,” said Casey Chumrau, executive director of the Idaho Wheat Commission, which along with other wheat organizations made the case to USDA that all wheat growers should be eligible for CFAP payments. “All along we have wanted all of our growers to have the opportunity to receive these payments.”

She said there is no question wheat farmers have suffered as a result of the reaction to the coronavirus outbreak.

“There is no doubt they were impacted and this is a huge win for Idaho and wheat growers across the country, really,” Chumrau said. “Any support our growers can get right now is very welcome.”