USDA Now Accepting Applications For Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, Seeks Comments On Additional Entities To Include

May 28, 2020

On May 26, 2020 the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), pursuant to a final rule issued on May 21, 2020, began accepting applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The program aims to provide financial relief to farmers and ranchers who have faced a five percent or greater price decline or who experienced losses due to market supply chain disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA outlines several eligible commodities including non-specialty crops, wool, livestock, dairy, and a limited number of specific specialty crops. Eligible producers may apply until August 28, 2020. In addition, USDA will accept public comments on the rule to hear from entities who feel they should be eligible to receive assistance but may not already be covered. Public comments will be accepted until June 22, 2020.

Read more about the program and how to apply here.
Read the rulemaking here and submit public comments here.
Advocacy contact: Prianka Sharma at (202) 205-6938.

Source : sba.gov

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.