USDA helping producers tap federal assistance

Hemp grain and food producers interested in tapping federal assistance have a new option for finding out how to apply.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has scheduled a webinar for Thursday at 1 p.m. EDT for producers interested in applying for direct payments through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.

The program is part of a $19 billion package of aid earmarked for farmers and ranchers in markets where prices and supply chains have been upended by the coronavirus pandemic. The initiative is being run by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service and Farm Service Agency.

The relief package does not specifically exclude hemp-flower cultivators, but it is aimed at food producers.

Webinar organizers say they will walk through the USDA’s application process and required documentation. Producers who are new to participating in federal farm programs were especially encouraged to join the webinar.

Interested farmers can register here.