The Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program is highlighting the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Farm Service Agency’s recent opening of the second round of Coronavirus Food Assistance Program for agricultural businesses.

Agricultural producers whose operation have been affected by COVID-19 are likely eligible for a second round of support. FSA is accepting applications from agricultural businesses for this support. For more information, or to apply, visit www.farmers.gov/cfap or contact the local FSA office which can be found on FSA.USDA.Gov.

Applications will be accepted from Sept. 21 through Dec. 11. Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2, or CFAP 2, will provide producers with financial assistance that gives them the ability to absorb some of the increased costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. CFAP 2 payments will be made for three categories of commodities — Price Trigger Commodities, Flat-Rate Crops, and Sales Commodities. A detailed list of eligible commodities can be found here (www.farmers.gov/cfap).

Farm Service Agency staff at local USDA Service Centers will work with producers to file CFAP 2 applications. For existing FSA customers, including those who participated in CFAP 1, many application documents will already be on file. Producers should check with their FSA county office to see if any of the forms need to be updated. Agricultural businesses interested in one-on-one support with the CFAP 2 application can also call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance at their call center.

Many farms in the Chautauqua County region continue to deal with economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Shifts in product demand, processing delays, and decreasing commodity prices have significantly affected farm profitability. For more information, contact your local FSA office. In the Southwest NY region, the county offices can be reached at: Allegany 585-268-5133; Cattaraugus 699-2375; Chautauqua 664-2351; Erie 652-1400; and Steuben 607-776-7398.