Winegrapes Eligible for a new Round of Assistance Under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2.
Expansion of CFAP 2 Begins Sept. 21
Today, President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced up to an additional $14 billion dollars for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs due to COVID-19.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has incorporated improvements for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) based from stakeholder engagement and public feedback to better meet the needs of impacted farmers and ranchers. One of these changes is that grapes, including winegrapes, are now eligible to apply for assistance under CFAP 2.

Producers can apply for assistance beginning Sept. 21, 2020. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 11, 2020.
Applying for Assistance
Producers can apply for CFAP 2 at USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) county offices. This program provides financial assistance that gives producers the ability to absorb increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
CFAP 2 payments will be made for three categories of commodities – Price Trigger Commodities, Flat-rate Crops and Sales Commodities.
 
Customers seeking one-on-one support with the CFAP 2 application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance. This is a recommended first step before a producer engages with the team at the FSA county office.
Eligibility
There is a payment limitation of $250,000 per person or entity for all commodities combined. Applicants who are corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships may qualify for additional payment limits when members actively provide personal labor or personal management for the farming operation. In addition, this special payment limitation provision has been expanded to include trusts and estates for both CFAP 1 and 2.
 
Producers will also have to certify they meet the Adjusted Gross Income limitation of $900,000 unless at least 75 percent or more of their income is derived from farming, ranching or forestry-related activities. Producers must also be in compliance with Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation provisions.


Questions, contact:
Natalie Collins, CAWG
natalie@cawg.org