Newhouse Pleased With Second Round Of CFAP Funding

Last week, President Trump and the USDA announced a second round of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program funding, providing an additional $14 billion for producers who continue to face disruptions associated with the pandemic. CFAP 2 will be available for producers of a host of Northwest commodities, including grapes and wine grapes, all classes of wheat, apples, potatoes, pears, cherries, blueberries and many others.

The program will also provide additional support for the livestock and dairy industries.

“Central Washington’s agriculture producers are resilient, but the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on our ability to maintain a strong, stable food supply chain,” said Rep. Newhouse. “Over the past few months, I have worked with Secretary Perdue to advocate for our agriculture commodities that were originally left out of the CFAP, including apples, potatoes, sweet cherries, hops, wine grapes, and wheat; these industries are huge economic drivers for our state, and now they will be included. This assistance will provide desperately-needed relief to our hard-working producers and allow them to continue feeding the world – through this pandemic and into the future. Thank you, Secretary Perdue, for listening to the voices of Central Washington’s farmers and ranchers.”

Upon the creation of CFAP, Rep. Newhouse applauded Secretary Perdue and President Trump for providing for America’s farmers and ranchers. He has worked closely with USDA to advocate for Central Washington’s agriculture industry. On Friday, Representative Newhouse sent a letter to Secretary Perdue, thanking him for hearing the concerns of Central Washington producers and adjusting the program to deliver relief.

Farmers and ranchers can sign up for CFAP 2 starting Monday through December 11, 2020. Producers can apply for CFAP 2 by contacting their local FSA office.

Background:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will use funds being made available from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Charter Act and CARES Act 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. 

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