North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services RALEIGH – Grade A dairy fluid milk producers in North Carolina who suffered losses because of COVID-19 disruptions in the milk supply chain can soon apply for assistance through the COVID-19 Dairy Aid Program 2020. A total of $2 million will be available, with limits on the amount paid to producers. “The …
Potential Second Wave of Pandemic Could Impact Vegetable, Specialty Crop Producers
By Clint Thompson The coronavirus pandemic struck in mid-March during harvest season for vegetable and specialty crop growers in the Southeast. Many fear a second wave of COVID-19 could strike again in October and November when temperatures start to drop. It is also when many producers have their fall crop in the ground. “The specialty crops would be where maybe …
Economist Fearful CFAP Funds Won’t Be Enough
By Clint Thompson One agricultural economist fears there might be insufficient funds to cover farmers who apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. Max Runge, Extension specialist in agricultural economics and rural sociology at Auburn University, believes the 80% of maximum total payment allotted for applicants will not be enough considering the number of producers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. …
USDA Announces Additional Food Purchase Plans
(Washington, D.C., May 4, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today details of $470 million in Section 32 food purchases to occur in the third quarter of fiscal year 2020, in addition to purchases previously announced, which will enable USDA to purchase surplus food for distribution to communities nationwide. These Section 32 purchases will provide additional support …