AlpacaGram 7.71 | USDA Financial Assistance Programs Available to Alpaca Business Owners

Alpaca Owners Association, Inc.

AlpacaGram 7.71
AlpacaGram 7.71November 2, 2020

USDA Financial Assistance Programs Available to Alpaca Business Owners

Has your alpaca business been directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic?

The Government and Industry Relations Committee (GIRCom) wants you to know that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is implementing the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) to provide financial assistance for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. The USDA will use available funds to support livestock, various crops, dairy, and many additional commodities. CFAP 2 payments will be made for three categories of commodities — Price Trigger Commodities, Flat-rate Crops, and Sales Commodities. Sales Commodities eligible for CFAP 2 include animals commercially raised for food, fur, fiber, or feathers, which specifically includes alpacas and llamas. For more information download the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (pdf). A complete list of eligible commodities, payment rates and calculations can be found on www.farmers.gov/cfap. Producers can apply for CFAP 2 at USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) county offices. Use the following link to find the closest office: offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app. It is important to establish a personal relationship with your local FSA representative, and to have specific information on the financial impact Covid-19 has had on your business. Applications for CFAP 2 must be submitted by December 11, 2020. Additional information on Covid-19 assistance can be found at www.farmers.gov/coronavirus.

There are many other government programs that are available to assist farmers and ranchers, besides those related to Covid-19. Examples of assistance include operation loans; farm ownership loans; emergency loans; loans for minority, women and beginning farmers and ranchers; and agricultural conservation easement programs.

You are encouraged to explore the following links for more information on these programs, and to speak with a representative in your local office:

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