USDA announced updates to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) on August 24, 2021, including additional eligible commodities and flexibility to payment calculations for sales-based commodities (specialty crops, including almonds) and eligible livestock and poultry contract producers.
What has changed?
USDA announced an amendment to the CFAP 2 payment calculation for sales-based commodities to allow producers to substitute 2018 sales for 2019 sales. Previously, only 2019 was used to approximate the amount specialty crop producers would have expected to market in 2020. Giving producers the option to substitute 2018 sales for 2019 sales provides additional flexibility to producers who had reduced sales in 2019, and thereby would qualify for higher CFAP 2 payments. Applications will be accepted until October 12, 2021.
How to apply or modify applications?
Online: Producers with an eAuthentication account can apply for CFAP 2 via the CFAP 2 Application Portal. Applications can be completed, electronically signed and submitted directly to your local Service Center through this online system. Producers interested in creating an eAuthentication account should visit farmers.gov/sign-in to learn more.
Local Farm Service Agency Offices: Producers will have the option to complete or modify their application by working directly with their local Farm Service Agency. Growers can locate their local FSA offices here. Additional information on eligibility and payments can be found here.
