COVID-19 Updates for Farmers from NYFC

Posted on May 2, 2020 by Taylor in Farming Resources, Funding, Local Food, Management, Marketing, Policy, Politics, Research, Subsidies, Young Farmers // 0 Comments

The latest COVID-19 Updates for Farmers from the National Young Farmers Coalition (NYFC)

New Federal Relief Funds for Farmers

Thanks to advocacy from the NYFC coalition and partners, Congress made farmers eligible for disaster loans (EIDL) in its latest phase of federal relief last week, and increased funds for both EIDL and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The Small Business Association has resumed accepting applications for PPP and news of EIDL applications reopening is expected any moment.

To help farmers prepare to apply for these relief programs, and to answer their frequently asked questions about state and federal assistance, NYFC has compiled resources on their regularly updated COVID FAQ page.

COVID-19 Updates for Farmers – Resources and FAQ Page

NYFC is continuing to update their online resource library with new webinars, funding opportunities, and guidance, including a new Direct Sales Software Comparison Guide. They are also regularly updating their COVID-19 FAQ page to address common questions on accessing state and federal funding, land access, and mental health.

COVID-19 Updates for Farmers – Call on USDA to Make Direct Aid for Farmers Available to
Local and Regional Producers!

USDA is preparing to distribute $16 billion in direct aid to producers who have experienced financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program are expected to be open in early May, but the program as currently designed may leave out thousands of farmers, including producers who sell into local and regional markets and producers historically underserved by USDA, including farmers of color. Learn more about what we’ve seen so far on the FAQ page here.

USDA has not yet released full details on their program, so now is the time to ask questions and speak up to ensure the program works for all farmers in need of aid. Farmers, USDA needs to hear directly from you. Join the NYFC social media action to help make sure COVID-19 relief funds reach your farm:

Post a photo on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram of something you are planting/growing right now.
Share how COVID-19 is impacting your farm business, market losses you’re experiencing, ways you are innovating, etc.
Include a question or two, like: How will the USDA use funding provided by the CARES Act to support local producers like me? How will USDA ensure the funds reach historically underserved communities? How can diversified farmers show their losses? What about farmers whose losses came after April 16th? How can organic farmers qualify at organic prices?
Use the handle @USDA on Twitter and Facebook and @usdagov on Instagram, and hashtags #YoungFarmers and #Plant2020. Tag your Members of Congress too!

COVID-19 Updates for Farmers – National Survey Results

The results of the NYFC COVID-19 national survey are in, and they show that 75% of farmers are dealing with loss of outlets to sell their products because of declining restaurant sales and farmers market closures. Seventy percent of farmers are struggling with the personal impacts of this pandemic such as increased caretaking responsibilities and healthcare costs, as well as the loss of off-farm income. Young farmers need our support–it’s a crucial time to direct our consumer dollars toward local food systems and to engage in policy advocacy to ensure stimulus efforts reach their farms.

Supporting Farm Workers Through COVID-19

NYFC recently published a statement on the impacts of the coronavirus on farm workers, recognizing the exclusion from COVID-19 relief of these essential workers who undergird our food system, and the ways that they have historically been left out of basic care and labor protections. Farm workers, particularly those who are undocumented, endure daily harm from the effects of systemic racism, inequities, and anti-immigrant policy, and this harm is amplified when our food system is in crisis. NYFC commits to working in solidarity with leading farm worker organizations to increase protections for farm workers during and after the pandemic. Visit the NYFC farm worker statement for links to actions led by our allies, United Farm Workers, Farmworker Justice, HEAL Food Alliance, Alianza Nacional de Campesina, and Fair World Project.