Yesterday, the USDA held a webinar to instruct growers who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for direct payments. This webinar quickly filled up but was recorded and can be watched at this link. It’s recommended that you bookmark this link.
This program will be managed through your local Farm Service Agency county office. You’ll need to call to make an appointment with your agent to get started. They will walk you through the process. Contact information for your local agent as well as the forms that need to be filled out, can be found at the same link previously referenced. Even though payments haven’t been issued yet, you can start filling the paperwork out. Some of the information you will need to provide is:
- Contact information
- Personal, including your Tax Identification Number
- Farming operating structure
- Adjusted Gross Income to ensure eligibility
- Direct deposit to enable payment processing