On August 24, USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced changes to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) for specialty crop producers. Effective immediately, citrus producers may submit a new CFAP 2 application or revise a previous application using 2018 sales. Previously, only 2019 sales data was used to approximate the amount producers would have expected to earn in 2020. Giving producers the option to substitute 2018 sales for 2019 sales provides additional flexibility to producers who had reduced sales in 2019.
In April 2021, FSA adjusted the CFAP 2 payment calculation for specialty crops to account for crop insurance indemnities, Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) payments, and Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+) payments in crop year 2018 and 2019.
The original application period for CFAP 2 was September 21 through December 11, 2020. USDA re-opened CFAP 2 signup for all eligible producers beginning April 5, 2021, and will accept applications through October 12, 2021.
Producers who applied during the CFAP 2 signup period that closed December 11 should contact the FSA office at their local USDA Service Center to modify their application.
To submit a new application, go to https://www.farmers.gov/coronavirus/pandemic-assistance/cfap2/apply. Additionally, a call center is available for producers who would like additional one-on-one support with the CFAP 2 application process. Call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee.
To complete the CFAP 2 application, producers will need to reference their production, sales, inventory, revenue, and other records. However, since CFAP 2 is a self-certification program, this documentation will not need to be submitted with the application. Contract producers must provide a copy of their contract. Because applications are subject to County Committee review and spot check, some producers will be required to provide documentation. Producers should retain the records and documentation they use to complete the application.
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