Farmers can receive COVID-19 assistance

HARTFORD — Gov. Ned Lamont, Congressman Joe Courtney, and Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt are encouraging Connecticut farmers and producers to sign up to receive financial assistance through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Coronavirus Food Assistance program, which was authorized by Congress through the bipartisan Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (H.R. 748). Earlier this week U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue released additional details on CFAP which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

CFAP will provide vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-orgreater price decline or who had losses due to market supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 and face additional significant market costs. Eligible commodities include: non-specialty crops, wool, livestock, dairy, and specialty crops (fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, and mushrooms).

USDA will consider additional crops to be eligible for CFAP by collecting information on potentially eligible crops, including aquaculture, nursery, and cut flowers.

USDA's Farm Service Agency is now accepting applications from agricultural producers who have suffered losses. While offices are open by phone appointment only, FSA will be working with agricultural producers by phone and using email and online tools to process applications.

For additional CFAP details, including eligibility, application process, and payment calculator, as well as locations of the nearest FSA office, visit https:// www.farmers.gov/cfap.