USDA updates pandemic assistance producer programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing additional time for livestock and poultry producers to apply for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP). Producers who suffered losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, because of insufficient access to processing, may now apply for assistance for those losses, and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals.

“Livestock and poultry producers were among the hardest hit by the pandemic,” said Farm Service Agency (FSA) administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We want to ensure that all eligible producers have the opportunity to apply for this critical assistance.”

The PLIP provides payments to producers for losses of livestock or poultry, depopulated from March 1, 2020, through Dec. 26, 2020. Payments are based on 80 percent of the fair market value of the livestock and poultry, and for the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animal.

Eligible livestock and poultry include swine, chickens and turkeys. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 12, rather than the original deadline of Sept. 17.

To learn more, visit usda.gov.

The USDA is also updating the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) for contract producers of eligible livestock and poultry, and producers of specialty crops and other sales-based commodities. The CFAP 2, which assists producers who faced market disruptions in 2020, because of COVID-19, is part of USDA’s broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.

Additionally, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has set an Oct. 12 deadline, for all eligible producers to apply for or modify applications for CFAP 2.

“We listened to feedback and concerns from producers and stakeholders about the gaps in pandemic assistance, and these adjustments to CFAP 2 help address unique circumstances, provide flexibility and make the program more equitable for all producers,” said Ducheneaux.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, provides up to $1 billion for payments to contract producers of eligible livestock and poultry for revenue losses from Jan. 1, 2020, through Dec. 27, 2020.

Contract producers of broilers, pullets, layers, chicken eggs, turkeys, hogs and pigs, ducks, geese, pheasants and quail, may be eligible for assistance. This update includes eligible breeding stock and eggs of all eligible poultry types produced under contract.

For more details, visit farmers.gov.