Help available to farmers who suffered losses due to pandemic

Local farmers and agricultural producers directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.

The initiative is providing $16 billion in direct relief payments for those in the agriculture industry experiencing income losses as a result of decreased demand for their products, according to State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle).

“Many farmers are feeling the effects of having less demand for their products after parts of our economy closed during this public health emergency,” said Baird, member of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee. “But they continue to provide the food on our tables and in our grocery stores. Their plight is not invisible, and this program supports our critical food supply chain.”

To be eligible for assistance, producers of agricultural commodities must have experienced at least a 5-percent price decline or who had losses due to market supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 and face additional significant market costs. Eligible products include specialty and non-specialty crops, wool, livestock and dairy.

Applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program are open through Aug. 28 and available through the Farm Service Agency at local USDA Service Centers. The Putnam Countys ervice center is located at 1007 Mill Pond Lane, Suite C.

For more information including eligibility requirements, visit farmers.gov/cfap.

Additionally, the USDA is supporting agricultural producers by purchasing $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat to be distributed to food banks, community and faith-based organizations and other nonprofits who serve those in need.