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Ohio State University Extension

CFAES

COVID-19 economic relief programs for agriculture

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.