Farmers’ Guide to COVID-19 Relief, from FLAG (Farmers’ Legal Action Group)

Several of the programs discussed in this Guide are the product of the CARES Act. This guide covers how these various programs can provide relief to farmers.  Updated 4/27/20.

As of this past Friday, there is new funding for PPP and EIDL, the Small Business Administration’s COVID-19 relief programs. Farmers are now eligible for both.  Like the first round of funding, it’s first come first serve, so APPLY ASAP.

Review of changes:

* Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) expanded to allow agricultural operations with fewer than 500 employees to qualify.  EIDL offers emergency grants of up to $10,000 in cash to businesses that are losing revenue amid the coronavirus pandemic. Apply directly with SBA -- click here.

* Paycheck Protection Program, which provides forgivable loans to small businesses (including farmers) to keep their workers on the payroll, has been replenished.  Apply quickly! The previous bill’s funding ran out in less than two weeks. You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program. Go here for details. 

There are a number of webinars available to help farmers navigate the process of applying:

·  April 28, 8AM CT -- SBA webinar on EIDL and PPP, Register here
·  April 28, 10AM CT -- SBA webinar on EIDL and PPP, Register here
·  April 28, 12PM CT -- SBA webinar on EIDL and PPP, Register here
·  April 28, 2PM CT -- SBA webinar on EIDL and PPP, Register here
·  April 29, 3PM CT – Farm Commons webinar, EIDL focus, sign up here
·  April 30, 3PM CT – Farm Commons webinar, PPP focus, sign up here

The short version is that grassroots demands that farmers who rely on local/regional direct markets be reached by the approved $23.5B in farmer relief, are largely being ignored.  Of the 6 asks in NSAC’s letter to USDA (signed by 750 organizations including ASAN), none are being fulfilled.

What can still be done?  THIS WEEK we need to raise the alarm that this plan as currently outlined won’t serve all the farmers who need help.  The best way to do that is to make sure USDA hears the voices of farmers who 1) have been impacted by the pandemic and 2) are at risk of not being included in the aid program USDA has developed.

We need farmers to:

1)    Share on social media.  If you’re not included in this aid program, ask USDA why, directly!  Ask, “Will USDA aid and resources help farmers like me recover from losses, support my employees, and pivot to new markets?“  Tag USDA, and tag your Congressional representatives.  The goal here is to pressure USDA respond, out of a desire to protect their public and press image.

2)    If you have a relationship with your local FSA office, call them and ask the same questions as above.  The goal here is to get FSA to direct pressure up the ladder to USDA.

USDA Food Box Distribution Program USDA Food Box Distribution Program is a $3B procurement opportunity for farms, food processors, and distributors who can source, assemble, and deliver food boxes for non-profit organizations serving those in need during the pandemic.  

USDA opened the Request For Proposals (RFP) on Friday.

Check out NSAC's blog post about the program, which includes helpful information about eligibility: “any entities that can procure food, assemble boxes and distribute the boxes to nonprofits engaged in efforts to feed the needy are eligible. That includes farmer cooperatives, farmers market operators, schools and restaurants. However, in order to secure a contract, a food hub distributor or other entity will need to be authorized to become a federal procurement contractor.”

Also check out Penn State Extension’s explanation of the program and overview of how to apply.

If you’re considering applying, follow the Wallace Center for a recording of their webinar held earlier today, about the ins and outs of applying for, and winning, federal contracts in response to this new program.