Source: USDA, 4/5/21 The U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the
availability of $2 million to establish partnerships with organizations to
provide outreach and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and
ranchers. The funding was made possible by USDA’s new Pandemic Assistance for
Producers initiative, an effort to distribute resources more broadly and to put
greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers
impacted by the pandemic. Today also marks the reopening of FSA’s Coronavirus
Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) signup as part of the Pandemic Assistance
for Producers initiative. Farmers and ranchers will have at least 60 days to
apply or make modifications to existing CFAP 2 applications.Cooperative Agreements The cooperative agreements will support participation in programs offered by FSA, including those that are part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Interested organizations must submit proposals by May 5, 2021. “USDA is committed to making financial assistance available to a broader set of producers, including to socially disadvantaged communities, and we know that we need partners to help make that happen,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “This funding will support grassroots organizations and public institutions as we support their producers. I am excited to see their innovative, results-driven proposals to help us reach our producers, especially those who have not taken full advantage of the available assistance.” Outreach and technical assistance cooperative agreements
support projects that:
- Increase access
and participation of socially disadvantaged applicants in FSA programs and
services.
- Improve technical
assistance for socially disadvantaged applicants related to county
committees focused on urban agriculture as well as FSA programs, including
loan, disaster assistance, conservation and safety-net programs.
FSA will prioritize review of proposals that support
outreach on CFAP 2. To ensure effective outreach during the signup period for
CFAP 2, these applications will be reviewed immediately following the
submission deadline for prioritized approval and project initiation. This funding opportunity is available to non-profits
having a 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service (other than
institutions of higher education), Federally recognized Native American tribal
governments, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally
recognized tribal governments), and public and state-controlled institutions of
higher education, including 1890 land grant institutions and 1994 tribal
land-grant colleges and universities. Awards will range from $20,000 to $99,999 for a duration
between six months and one year. Applications focusing primarily on CFAP 2 will
be expedited. For other proposals, FSA anticipates announcing or notifying
successful and unsuccessful applicants by June 20, 2021 and expects to have
Federal awards in place by September 1, 2021. For more information, view the cooperative agreement
opportunity on grants.gov (No.
USDA-FSA-MULTI-21-NOFO0001104) or visit fsa.usda.gov/cooperativeagreements. Reopening of CFAP 2 CFAP 2 provides financial assistance that gives producers
the ability to absorb increased marketing costs associated with the COVID-19
pandemic. Eligible commodities include specialty crops, livestock, dairy, row
crops, aquaculture, floriculture and nursery crops. The initial CFAP 2 signup
ended on Dec. 11, 2020, but USDA will reopen sign-up for CFAP 2 for at least 60
days beginning today. Visit farmers.gov/cfap for
details on all eligible commodities, producer eligibility, payment limitations
and structure and additional program resources. Producers have multiple options to apply for CFAP 2,
including through an online application portal and by working directly with the
FSA office at their local USDA Service Center. 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. Additional CFAP Actions USDA will also finalize routine decisions and minor
formula adjustments on applications and begin processing payments for certain
applications filed as part of the CFAP Additional Assistance. The Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2021, enacted December 2020 requires FSA to make certain
payments to producers according to a mandated formula. While USDA offices are currently closed to visitors because of the pandemic, Service Center staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, email, and other digital tools. To conduct business, please contact your local USDA Service Center. Additionally, more information related to USDA’s response and relief for producers can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus. About Pandemic Assistance for Producers Today’s announcement supports USDA’s efforts to bring financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and producers who felt the impact of COVID-19 market disruptions. The new initiative—USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers—will reach a broader set of producers than in previous COVID-19 aid programs. USDA is dedicating at least $6 billion toward the new programs. The Department will also develop rules for new programs that will put a greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers, specialty crop and organic producers, and timber harvesters, as well as provide support for the food supply chain and producers of renewable fuel, among others. For more information, visit farmers.gov/pandemic-assistance. USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and
lender.
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