The application deadline for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program--Additional Assistance (CFAP-AA) will be extended beyond the current deadline of February 26. USDA took the action after a request by the American Farm Bureau Federation that the deadline be extended due to the regulatory review that suspended CFAP-AA payments.
USDA spokesman Matt Herrick said in an email to some news outlets that the CFAP-AA review is “ongoing, and we anticipate a decision in the weeks ahead.” Herrick confirmed the deadline and noted the agency continues to accept applications “so that, once a determination is made on the direction, we are ready to act.” He said there would be at least another 30 days for producers to signup after any decision is announced, a decision that matches the request by AFBF.
“What we're doing now is listening and gathering feedback so that we get help to as many producers as possible without focusing on one group or geography at the expense of another,” Herrick said.
There is no timeline yet for any resumption of the CFAP-AA process even though USDA had indicated when it suspended the effort in late January that the agency would be addressing the issue “in coming days.” Now a timeframe of in the “weeks” ahead is being mentioned by USDA.