Producers can sign up for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

RITZVILLE – Sign-up for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 has been reopened as part of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency announced.

The initial sign-up ended Dec. 11, 2020, but USDA has reopened it for at least 60 days beginning April 5, 2021, for producers to apply or make modifications to existing applications.

The program provides direct financial relief to producers due to market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19.

Producers can review eligible commodities and learn about the payment structure for each at farmers.gov/cfap.

"Most of the crops and livestock raised in Washington, including many of them raised in our area, are eligible for commodities for this program," Elizabeth Sitton, acting county executive director for Farm Service Agency in Adams County, said, adding her staff is available to help with the application process. Sitton said the Adams County FSA office can be reached at 509 659 1761, extension 2, for guidance.

A call center is also available for additional one-on-one support with the application process at 877 508 8364 to speak with a USDA employee.