Farmers can now apply for a piece of a $16 billion relief package through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

As part of the package, the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), will allow for payments to be made to those farmers who raise several different kinds of crops including soybeans, oats, rye and wheat. MFP payments will be made to those non-speciality crops based on a single county payment rate multiplied by a farm’s total plantings of MFP-eligible crops in aggregate 2019. County payment rates are between $15 to $150 per acre, depending on the impact of the trade retaliation in that county.

The acreage of non-specialty crops and cover crops must be planted by August 1st to be eligible for payments. Those payments are limited to a combined total of $250,000 for non-speciality crops and hog producers. Applicants must have an average adjusted gross income of less than $900,000 for tax years 2014-16. 

To apply for MFP payments, contact your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. For Greene County residents, contact the USDA office in Jefferson located at 1703 North Elm Street Suite #1 or call 386-3138. Payments will be made starting mid-to-late August. The deadline to apply is December 6th. For additional information on MFP, click the link below.

https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2019/07/25/usda-announces-details-support-package-farmers