Today (August 11) the USDA announced expanded eligibility for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The program, funded through the CARES Act and the Commodity Credit Corporation, provides direct assistance payments to eligible commodities for which significant losses occurred due to pandemic-related market disruption.Nursery and floriculture crops are now eligible for relief.  USDA also extended the application deadline to September 11.  Nursery and Floriculture specific details are at https://www.farmers.gov/cfap/nursery.

CFAP Payments for Nursery Crops and Cut Flowers

CFAP payments for nursery crops and cut flowers will be based on a percentage of the producer’s wholesale value of inventory. Payments will be the sum of CARES Act payments and CCC payments as follows:

1. CARES Act Payments: For nursery crop and cut flower inventory that was shipped but subsequently spoiled or is unpaid due to loss of marketing channels between January 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020, the wholesale value of the inventory that was shipped that spoiled or is unpaid, multiplied by 15.55 percent; and
2. CCC Payments: For nursery crop and cut flower inventory that did not leave the farm between January 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020, due to a complete loss of marketing channel, the wholesale value of the inventory ready for sale that did not leave the farm by April 15, 2020, and that will not be sold due to lack of markets, multiplied by 13.45 percent.

Nursery crop and cut flower inventory that may be sold after April 15, 2020, is not eligible for CFAP.

Additional CFAP Information

Farm Service Agency staff at local USDA Service Centers will work with producers to file CFAP applications.

Visit farmers.gov/cfap for additional information on the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, other eligible commodities, CFAP eligibility, payment limitations and structure, and how to apply.