Plus a COVID-19 Resource Guide for Farmers
On May 19th, the USDA announced details of direct payments to producers under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). USDA confirmed that beginning May 26, 2020, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will start accepting applications from farmers whose commodity qualifies. USDA has decided that all of dairy as a commodity has had a 5 percent loss calculation and all dairy farmers qualify for the payment.
Since dairy is eligible, you don't have to prove any individual loss. For more information on the program go to: www.farmers.gov/cfap. There, you will find application details and a link to the final rule, plus a cost-benefit analysis of the program. USDA has confirmed that producers will receive 80 percent of their maximum total payment upon approval of the application. The remaining portion of the payment, not to exceed the payment limit, will be paid at a later date if funds remain available.
For in-depth information and analysis of the USDA's New Direct Payments Program for Dairy Farmers, click here.
This guide was created to help you navigate the challenging circumstances sparked by COVID-19. Assistance from federal and state programs can make a difference for farmers in this crisis. The next few pages outline current relief programs related to COVID-19 and how they apply to farmers. As you review the programs that may be of help to you, the following issues are important to remember:
COVID-19 relief is constantly evolving. Be sure to check with the relevant agency for changes in details from those listed here, as the rules for some programs have yet to be released, while others have already changed.
Some of the programs that can help you require documentation. Details matter. Have your records handy and start taking detailed notes that capture your price or market losses and tell the story of what is unfolding on your farm.
You should contact the agencies and lenders related to COVID-19 relief programs as soon as possible. Keep a record of all your contacts with agencies, insurance companies, lenders, contractors, and anyone else officially involved in the recovery effort.
Most farm programs administered by USDA require farmers to register their farm with the Farm Service Agency and obtain a farm number. This process is free. Contact your local USDA Service Center (see next page) to obtain one.
Most COVID-19 relief programs have deadlines. Some of them come very quickly, and in some cases funding could run out before the deadlines. The accompanying table includes deadlines when they exist, but you should double check with agency offices to make sure the dates have not changed.
Some relief programs include an appeals process. If you are denied from a program, know that “no” is not always the final answer.
Recovery from any disaster or emergency will be a long process. As is the case with other traumatic experiences, people tend to go through stages as they recover from a crisis. Be patient and caring with yourself and others.
Attending to the mental health of everyone involved is essential. You can find related resources on the next page.
Unfortunately, scam artists always arrive soon after an emergency strikes. Be careful. Be especially wary of loan or debt modification scams arising during this time of COVID-19.
The programs described below are available to all who are eligible. Discrimination is illegal. Each agency should have a discrimination complaint process.
Navigating these programs can be overwhelming as you rebuild. Please know that you can call 1-800-FARM-AID at any time if you need support. Farm Aid can connect you to someone near you to help you figure things out.
For more details on the programs described below, access the latest version of the Farmers’ Guide to COVID-19 Relief, created by the Farmers’ Legal Action Group, Inc. (FLAG), at www.flaginc.org/covid-19-guide/.
KEY CONTACTS FOR NAVIGATING COVID-19 RELIEF
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Find your local USDA Service Center: https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app. Note that your local Service Center may be in a nearby county. USDA Information Hotline: For USDA-related questions, please contact (202) 720-2791. |
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SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SBA Coronavirus Relief Options: https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center: For help with SBA's Disaster Loan Assistance website, https://disasterloan.sba.gov/, contact 1-800-659-2955 | TTY: 1-800-877-8339. Lenders for PPP: https://www.sba.gov/document/support--paycheck-protection-program-participating-lenders SBA EIDL Application: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/ |
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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Find Your State Unemployment Office: https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus/unemployment-insurance#find-state- unemployment-insurance-contacts |
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STRESS AND MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES SAMHSA National Helpline / 1-800-662-4357 a 24/7 free and confidential referral and information service line SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline / 1-800-985-5990 to speak to a counselor trained in disaster response. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline / 1-800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. To find a mental health counselor in your area, refer to https://www.psychologytoday.com/us. |
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NON-GOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT FLAG’s Farmers’ Guide To Covid-19 Relief : www.flaginc.org/covid-19-guide/ Farm Aid Hotline: 1-800-FARM AID or farmhelp@farmaid.org |
Prepared by Farm Aid, Farmers’ Legal Action Group, Inc., Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative, Intertribal Agriculture Council, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, and RAFI-USA
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SUMMARY OF COVID-19 RELIEF FOR FARMERS MAY 4, 2020 |
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PROGRAM |
AGENCY |
WHAT IS AVAILABLE? |
ELIGIBILITY |
FARM ELIGIBILITY? |
APPLICATION and DEADLINE INFORMATION |
OTHER |
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RELIEF BASED IN CARES ACT |
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Economic Impact Payments (aka Recovery Rebates for Individuals) |
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) /economic-impact- payments |
$1,200 payment per eligible person, plus $500 per qualifying child. |
Payments reduced once an income threshold is passed ($75k for individuals; $150k for joint returns). See IRS help on receiving payments here: https://www.irs.gov/newsroo m/how-to-use-the-tools-on- irsgov-to-get-your-economic- impact-payment. |
Yes. |
In theory, payments are automatic for those who file federal taxes or receive Social Security or federal benefits. For those who don’t, basic information must be provided to the IRS. |
Some lenders can seize payments. |
|
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) |
Small Business Administration (SBA) https://www.sba.gov |
Loans cover 8 weeks of payroll costs. Loans can be forgiven. |
Farms; small businesses; nonprofits; tribal small business concerns; veteran’s organizations; other self- employed individuals; and independent contractors. |
In general, yes. |
Application deadline is June 30, 2020. Must apply via a lender. Lenders have applications or use: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default /files/2020- 04/PPP%20Borrower%20Applica tion%20Form.pdf. |
First come first serve. Off and on availability due to funding shortages. Impossible to know if and when funding might permanently run out. |
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COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program |
Small Business Administration (SBA) https://www.sba.gov |
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Small agricultural enterprises and businesses of under 500 employees; private nonprofits; small agricultural co-ops; sole proprietorships; and tribal small business concerns. |
Yes. Originally not eligible, but made eligible on April 24, 2020. |
Program available until Dec. 31, 2020. Initial funding ran out, but new funding is available and SBA resumed taking applications from farms on May 4, 2020. Must apply directly on SBA’s website: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/. |
First come first serve. Availability has been off and on due in part to funding shortages. Possibly will continue as an on-again, off-again program. |
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Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Program |
Department of Labor https://www.dol.gov |
Unemployment insurance available for jobs lost due to COVID-19. Normal payments increase by $600 per week, and assistance extended to 39 weeks of benefits. |
Available to “unemployed self-employed.” Must be unable to work due to one of several reasons related to COVID-19 crisis. |
Yes, as a self- employed unemployed person. |
Apply with state unemployment insurance office. Find state office: https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus/ unemployment-insurance#find- state-unemployment-insurance- contacts. |
State unemployment office may not realize farmers can be eligible. |
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Foreclosure Moratorium and Forbearance |
Various. Not clear who will enforce it or how. |
Forbearance and foreclosure moratorium for residential home mortgages. Forbearance means not making payments for a time. |
Only government backed residential mortgages are eligible (i.e. if federal agencies made or guaranteed a loan, or if Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac are involved). |
For mortgages that include a home and little else. |
Contact the lender. For more information see Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.go v/about-us/blog/guide- coronavirus-mortgage-relief- options/. |
To date, it does not appear that farm mortgages are eligible even if the mortgage includes a residence. |
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Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP): Direct Payments |
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) www.usda.gov. |
Direct payments for actual losses due to prices and supply chains affected by COVID-19, and payments for lost demand and oversupply caused by COVID-19. Additional details unknown. |
Not known. USDA is expected to want evidence of losses. |
Yes, designed for farmers. |
Details unknown. |
$16 billion in funding. |
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Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP): Farmers to Families Food Box Program |
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) www.usda.gov |
USDA purchases fresh produce, diary and meat. Distributors and wholesalers provide box of food to groups serving those in need. |
The government will purchase fresh produce, dairy, and meat from farmers. |
Yes, as sellers of fresh produce, dairy, and meat. |
Details unknown. USDA has sought proposals. |
$3 billion in purchases of food from farmers. |
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Bankruptcy |
Contact an expert. |
Court supervised. |
Varies. Chapter 12 is for family farmers; under the CARES Act, COVID-19 payments do not count as income for Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcies. |
Yes. |
No single deadline. |
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OTHER RELIEF |
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Court System |
State, federal, and tribal courts. |
Delays on certain matters; temporary suspension of fines and fees, etc. |
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Find some court information here: https://www.ncsc.org/~/ media/Files/PDF/Newsro om/Coronavirus-News- Updates- Roundups/Coronavirus %20and%20the%20Cou rts%20State%20Profiles %204-10-2020.ashx |
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Farm Service Agency (FSA) |
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) www.fsa.usda.gov |
Accelerations and some foreclosures suspended for FSA Direct Loans. For Guaranteed Loans, servicing considered by FSA. |
Current borrowers. |
Yes. |
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Information on USDA’s actions in response to COVID-19: https://www.farmers.gov /coronavirus |
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Federal Crop Insurance |
Contact the farmer’s insurance provider. |
Indemnity payments. |
Must have previously bought crop insurance. COVID-19, by itself, does not create an insurable loss. |
Yes. |
Contract has details. Often short deadlines to report losses. |
Crucial for farmers to follow crop insurance agreements and inform and work with insurance provider in advance about changes to farm plans that have been affected by COVID-19. |
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Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) |
USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) www.fsa.usda.gov |
FSA program similar to crop insurance, and available when crop insurance is not available. |
Must have previously signed up. |
Yes. |
Varies. Applications for payment: must file within 60 days from last day of coverage for the crop year. |
Crucial for farmers to follow NAP agreements and contact FSA before making changes to farm plans that have been affected by COVID-19. |
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GUIDANCE |
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Regulator Guidance for Financial Intuitions |
Various. |
General guidance that lenders should be willing to modify loans and work with borrowers. This guidance does not provide direct relief for individual farmers. |
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Yes, although no direct relief for individuals. |
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Posted: to Industry News on Wed, May 20, 2020
Updated: Thu, May 21, 2020
