LEWISTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency has reopened signups for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2, as part of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.
The initial CFAP 2 signup ended in December, but USDA reopened sign-up for CFAP 2 for at least 60 days as of April 5. The CFAP 2 program provides direct financial relief to producers because of market disruptions and associated costs because of the coronavirus.
“Most of the crops and livestock raised in Maine, including many of them raised in our area, are eligible commodities for this program,” said Marcia Hall, county executive director for the agency in Androscoggin-Sagadahoc County, according to a news release from the agency. “If you missed getting an application in last fall, you now have the opportunity to apply for assistance. Our staff will help you through the application process, or if you need to make any modifications to your existing application.”
Row crops, livestock, dairy, specialty crops, aquaculture and more are eligible for the CFAP 2, including the recent addition of pullets and turfgrass sod. Producers are encouraged to visit farmers.gov/cfap to review eligible commodities and learn about the payment structure for each. CFAP 2 is a separate program from the first iteration of the program (CFAP 1), and interested producers must complete a new application to be eligible for payment for CFAP 2.
Hall said producers are encouraged to call the Androscoggin-Sagadahoc County FSA office at 207-753-9400, ext. 2 for guidance on the process to complete an application. Producers also have the option to visit farmers.gov/cfap and access the online application portal or learn about other application options. A call center is available for producers who would like additional one-on-one support with the CFAP 2 application process. To speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance, call 877-508-8364.
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