USDA direct farm payment program underway

The USDA is scheduling appointments for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which will provide direct farm payments.

To apply for the program, farmers must call their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office to schedule an appointment. FSA offices are only open for business by phone. Local staff will help famers apply for the program. Applicants will need their contact information, tax identification number, farming operating structure, adjusted gross income and direct deposit information

Do not send any personal information to USDA without first calling. Acreage reports and a USDA farm number are not required up front (for existing FSA farms, that information is likely already be on file).

Farms that have not participated in previous FSA programs may also be eligible and are encouraged to schedule an appointment. For more information, contact the local Farm Service Agency office.