Media

Washington, DC – Representative Jim Baird (R-IN) applauds the creation of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The new program will provide much needed assistance to Indiana farmers and consumers during the COVID-19 emergency.

“As a farmer and a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I know how much our farmers are in need of assistance during these challenging times. I am proud to work alongside Secretary Perdue and President Trump to ensure farmers are supported. This program will not only help farmers but will make sure production doesn’t go to waste and instead will go to food banks that are in need,” Representative Baird said.

The CFAP will use funding from phase two (Families First Coronavirus Act) and phase three (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) of the COVID-19 response packages. The program includes two major provisions:

• Direct Support to Farmers and Ranchers: The program will provide $16 billion in direct support based on actual losses for agricultural producers who have been impacted by COVID-19.
• USDA Purchase and Distribution: USDA will partner with regional and local distributors to procure food that will be provided to food banks, community and faith based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need. The program will procure an estimated:
       -$100 million per month in fresh fruits and vegetables
       -$100 million per month in a variety of dairy products
       -$100 million per month in meat products

This program will ensure the U.S. food supply chain remains safe and secure amid the pressure of COVID-19.

Further details regarding eligibility, rates, and other implementation will be released in the upcoming days.

Read the USDA’s press release here.