Growers who raised turkeys under a contract and experienced pandemic-related revenue losses can apply for payments through Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

For months, Klobuchar has worked on behalf of Minnesota’s farmers and agriculture workers to secure relief funding 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced today that additional turkey growers who experienced pandemic-related revenue losses in 2020 are now eligible to apply for payments through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2).

This follows Klobuchar’s efforts to secure pandemic relief for Minnesota’s farmers and agriculture workers. In May, Klobuchar and Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) sent a letter to Leaders McConnell (R-KY) and Schumer (D-NY) urging them to consider including provisions to authorize programs and funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to assist the domestic poultry industry in legislation addressing the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. In September, Klobuchar led a letter with Senators Tina Smith (D-MN), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture to clarify why farmers were denied access to critical relief and the data being used to determine eligibility for CFAP. In December, Klobuchar successfully pushed for relief for livestock producers to be included in the bipartisan year-end agreement.

“Minnesota’s farmers and agriculture workers are critical in securing our state’s food supply,” said Senator Klobuchar. “I’m glad help is on the way for many contract turkey growers, and I will continue to work across the aisle to get additional relief for those in need.”

Under CFAP 2, eligible turkey growers who operated under a contract can receive up to 80 percent of their revenue losses from Jan. 1-December 27, 2020, compared to the same timeframe the previous year. The application period began January 19 and will run through February 26. Eligible growers should contact their local USDA Service Center, visit https://www.farmers.gov/cfap, or call 877-508-8364 for information on how to apply.

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