Auburn University Assistant Professor and Extension economist Adam Rabinowitz wants Alabama non-specialty crop and specialty crop producers to be aware of the deadline being extended for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) and what crops in the state are most impacted.
In the Alabama Extension blog, Rabinowitz reminded producers that CFAP provides financial assistance to growers of selected agricultural products. Initial payments of 80% of eligibility were made to producers who filed claims by the initial sign-up deadline. The USDA has since announced an extension of the deadline to Sept. 11.
The USDA also announced that payments for the additional 20% of eligibility will be processed automatically for those who have already enrolled. Farmers producing eligible crops should visit their FSA office to enroll in this program. More information is available on the USDA website.
Alabama Impact
CFAP assistance is available to specialty crop producers, including selected fruits, vegetables, nursery crops, and cut flowers. Those crops that are most relevant to Alabama producers that are harvested before April 15 include but are not limited to:
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Greens, collard, kale, mustard, and turnip
- Lettuce
- Peas
- Potatoes, fresh and other
- Squash, including zucchini
- Strawberries
As of Aug. 17, 33 specialty crop applications in Alabama were approved by the USDA Farm Service Agency, resulting in payments of just over $800,000 to Alabama producers.