Vilsack: More COVID-19 Relief Headed to Farms

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced Wednesday a new package of funding for farmers and ranchers adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The $6.5 billion round of funding through the USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative will be distributed in four rounds, with $6 billion total going directly toward producers and the remaining $500 million earmarked for USDA program funding. The 60-day signup period for this CFAP 2 funding round begins April 5 and offers increased payments specifically for cattle producers who were eligible for CFAP 1 assistance. Those ranchers who received funding in the first round don’t need to reapply for CFAP 2, Vilsack said. See more on Wednesday’s announcement.