Recent federal legislation such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act provide economic relief for businesses, including agricultural businesses, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's a gathering of the government resources that explain the programs, including application information.
General Resources
- Coronavirus web page - Small Business Administration (SBA)
- The CARES Act Provides Assistance to Small Businesses – Dept. of Treasury
- Coronavirus Disease – USDA
- USDA Leadership Update on Accessing SBA Relief Programs – USDA
- Borrower FAQs on Coronavirus Disaster Relief - SBA
Paycheck Protection Program
This program is available to agricultural businesses with fewer than 500 employees on a first-come, first-serve basis and is designed to keep employees on the payroll.
- Paycheck Protection Program – SBA
- FAQs for Lenders and Borrowers – SBA
- Eligibility of Agricultural Related Industries – SBA
- How to Calculate Maximum Loan Amounts – SBA
- Borrower Application Form – SBA
Economic Impact Disaster Loans (EIDL)
Recent legislation made agricultural enterprises eligible for this disaster loan program, which can include up to $10,000 as an emergency assistance grant.
- EIDL Emergency Advance – SBA
Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP)
The USDA is still developing two parts to CFAP, one program to distribute $16 billion in direct payments for commodity growers, specialty crop farmers, and livestock and dairy producers, and $3 billion for direct purchases of meat, dairy and specialty crops.
- USDA Announces Coronavirus Food Assistance Program – USDA
- Farmers to Families Food Box Program – USDA AMS
- Farmers to Families Food Box Program FAQs – AMS
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program
This program extends unemployment benefits, including to persons not traditionally eligible for unemployment, including self-employed and Form 1099 agricultural businesses. Applicants apply through the applicable state agency.
- Unemployment Insurance Relief During COVID-19 Outbreak – Dept. of Labor
- Coronavirus and Unemployment Insurance: Expanded Eligibility Resource Hub – Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services