Alfalfa has been included in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s latest expansion of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Recently, USDA announced an additional $14 billion for farmers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19.

The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) provides farmers of eligible commodities with financial assistance that gives them the ability to absorb some of the increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

A list of CFAP 2 eligible commodities can be found by clicking here (https://www.farmers.gov/cfap/tool). Alfalfa is included under the “Flat-Rate Crops” category which includes crops eligible for a $15/acre payment for all acres certified to that commodity for 2020.

USDA’s Farm Service Agency will accept CFAP 2 applications from Sept. 21 through Dec. 11, 2020. Information on how to apply for CFAP 2 funding can be found here.

Farm Service Agency staff at local USDA Service Centers will work with farmers to file CFAP 2 applications. Farmers can also call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance at the CFAP call center. Visit farmers.gov/cfap for additional information on CFAP 2 eligibility, payment limitations, structure and how to apply.

Source: Oct. 1 Kentucky Forage News