UPDATE: Deadline extended to Friday, September 11th.

UPDATE: Several new crops, including nursery crops and fresh cut flowers, have been added.

USDA has announced an expanded list of crops covered under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), one of the programs to come about from the USA CARES act. Based on information reported by growers throughout the US, including growers in Sumter, Pasco, and Hernando County, USDA has expanded the list of covered crops to include the following:

“Alfalfa sprouts, anise, arugula, basil, bean sprouts, beets, blackberries, Brussels sprouts, celeriac (celery root), chives, cilantro, coconuts, collard greens, dandelion greens, greens (others not listed separately), guava, kale greens, lettuce – including Boston, green leaf, Lolla Rossa, oak leaf green, oak leaf red and red leaf – marjoram, mint, mustard, okra, oregano, parsnips, passion fruit, peas (green), pineapple, pistachios, radicchio, rosemary, sage, savory, sorrel, fresh sugarcane, Swiss chard, thyme and turnip top greens.”

Seven commodities, including blueberries, garlic, potatoes, and tangerines saw expanded coverage granted.

Producers of these newly-added crops will be able to apply for the program beginning Monday, July 15th through September 11th. Along with working with their local Farm Service Agency office (FIND YOURS), growers can apply through a new online portal located on the USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program website, which also contains a wealth of information on all agriculture products covered under the program and how to apply.

The full press release is available for viewing here.

0