USDA makes aid available to farmers hit by price drops

MOSES LAKE — Farmers who have seen their crop prices fall by at least 5 percent from January through April are now eligible to apply for federal assistance under a special program enacted as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.

The $16 billion Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) will make payments up to $250,000 for farmers of both historic program crops — such as corn, wheat, soybeans and cotton — as well as farmers who grow specialty crops such as potatoes, onions and apples.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s CFAP website, the department’s Farm Service Agency will begin accepting applications for the loans on May 26.

— Charles H. Featherstone