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Dry Bean Growers Do Qualify for Government Assistance

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Questions have been circulating on whether or not dry bean producers are eligible for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program payments. According to Tom Hance with Gordly Associates, the answer is yes. Dry edible beans are fall under the Sales Commodities category of CFAP 2.
 
“Dry beans are included in CFAP 2,” said Hance. “Growers are able to amend and increase this payment if they received a crop insurance indemnity or WHIP+ payment for 2019 production. Those producers can also have their CFAP 2 payment calculated using their 2018 sales.”
 
Famers who have not already applied for CFAP 2 can do so through their county Farm Service Agency office.
 
In addition, USDA has set aside $6 billion for the Pandemic Assistance for Producers program. This is another opportunity for compensation to dry bean producers, said Hance in a Red River Farm Network interview.
 
“There are a list of entities that will possibly be included in this $6 billion. The specialty crops in the sales commodity category, including dry beans, are among those that could potentially be included.”
 
Hance stresses that this decision is subject to rulemaking, so it will be several months before it will be known how the funds are distributed.

Supplemental CFAP Payments Paused

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USDA has suspended $2.3 billion in supplemental Coronavirus Food Assistance (CFAP) payments to farmers. Most of the money is going to contract hog and poultry growers and others who were left out of earlier programs. The Biden Administration put these payments on hold while it reviews the regulations taken during the final days of the Trump Administration. The Farm Service Agency will continue to accept applications during the review process.

Sign Up Now for CFAP 2

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U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reminding farmers and ranchers that the deadline to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) is Friday, December 11. This program provides direct relief to producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19.
 
“Producers have one more month to get their applications in for this important relief program,” said Richard Fordyce, Farm Service Agency administrator. “Applying is simple and our staff is available to assist every step of the way.”
 
CFAP 2 will provide up to $14 billion to eligible producers of certain row crops, livestock, dairy, specialty crops, aquaculture and more. All eligible commodities, payment rates and calculations can be found on farmers.gov/cfap. This is a separate program from the first iteration of the program, and interested producers must complete a new application to be eligible for the second payment.

CFAP Signup Set to Begin May 26, Program Details Released

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Signup for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program will begin after Memorial Day on Tuesday, May 26. That is according to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, who says $16 billion in direct payments will be sent to farmers as soon as one week after USDA launches the portal. The signup window will then remain open through August. Program details were sent out in a news release that can be viewed here. The specific payments rates for eligible commodities are available for non-speciality crops, specialty crops, and livestock.

USDA Hosts CFAP Webinar

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On Thursday, USDA’s Farm Service Agency and Agricultural Marketing Service hosted a webinar on how producers can prepare for the upcoming signup for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. This includes information on how to apply once signup opens and how to initiate contact with FSA. View the webinar here.

USDA is Looking to Buy Beans

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USDA is seeking offers to sell Canned Vegetables & Dry Beans pursuant to the AMS Master Solicitation This solicitation includes orders authorized under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, that are part of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. This is one, of the many ways, in which USDA has committed to assisting farmers, ranchers and consumers in response to the COVID-19 national emergency. The solicitation is seeking Great Northern beans and pinto beans. View it here.