Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles, center, speaks during a press conference with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, left, and U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, right, in July 2019. (KDA photo).
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles is encouraging Kentucky farm families facing market disruptions and associated costs because of the coronavirus pandemic to sign up for the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, which opened on Sept. 21 and will run through Dec. 11, 2020.
“Through the passage of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s CARES Act, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is moving to provide additional relief to Kentucky agricultural producers. I am grateful to him, President Trump, and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue for continuing to provide critical relief to Kentucky’s farm families negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic,” Commissioner Quarles said. “Though much of our economy shut down during the pandemic, Kentucky farmers were still producing the food and fiber we rely upon. If you are a producer whose bottom line has been negatively impacted by the virus, please visit farmers.gov/cfap to learn how you can apply for assistance.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will use funds being made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and CARES Act, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, to support row crops, livestock, specialty crops, dairy, aquaculture and many additional commodities. USDA has incorporated improvements in CFAP 2 based from stakeholder engagement and public feedback to better meet the needs of impacted farmers and ranchers.
“Our hardworking farmers have helped put food on Kentucky tables and store shelves throughout this pandemic, and they’ll be instrumental in our economic recovery,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said. “As the CARES Act was being written in my office, I made sure Kentucky’s farmers would not get left behind. So far, the historic rescue legislation, along with other measures, has delivered nearly $178 million in urgent relief for our Commonwealth’s farm families. I’ve been proud to work with Commissioner Quarles, President Trump, and Secretary Perdue to extend additional aid to growers in need. I encourage eligible Kentucky farmers facing these challenges to apply for the federal assistance.”
“America’s agriculture communities are resilient, but still face many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump is once again demonstrating his commitment to ensure America’s farmers and ranchers remain in business to produce the food, fuel, and fiber America needs to thrive,” Secretary Perdue said. “We listened to feedback received from farmers, ranchers and agricultural organizations about the impact of the pandemic on our nation’s farms and ranches, and we developed a program to better meet the needs of those impacted.”
Customers seeking one-on-one support with the CFAP 2 application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance. This is a recommended first step before a producer engages with the team at a Farm Service Agency county office.
If you had a share of crops reported for 2020 or had eligible livestock between April 16 and August 31, you may be eligible to request a payment from your control county office. For Ohio County farmers and producers who have questions, call the Ohio County FSA Office at 270-298-3643 or 270-298-2016 or email Lisa Anderson at Lisa.Anderson2@usda.gov. The Ohio County FSA Office is at 492 KY State 69 N in Hartford.
All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including some that are open to visitors to conduct business in person by appointment only. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors are also required to wear a face-covering during their appointment. Program delivery staff will be in the office, and working with producers in the office, by phone and using online tools. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.