To read a previous post for additional background to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, please read Les’ article from August. Additionally, you can view a presentation from the Out of the Woods: Enriching Your Maple Business webinar series on CFAP. Keep reading for updates on CFAP’s second round of assistance.
Ohio maple producers are now eligible for the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Signup started on September 28 and will run until December 11, 2020, through your local USDA Farm Service Agency Office. This round of CFAP is slightly different from the first cycle. Unlike the first round where you were paid on the volume of sap produced in 2020, you will now be paid based on the revenue generated from your 2019 maple crop. This is an important difference! Be prepared to share records of your gross sales from your 2019 crop. USDA will convert that number to sap valuation, and you will receive a payment on a percentage of the 2019 crop.
The diagram below shows that lower level sales operations (under $49,999) will receive a slightly higher percentage compensation (10.6%) than higher sales producers (9.9%; $50,000-$100,000). Producers grossing more than that will see incrementally lower percentage rates of compensation, though differences are small.
We know that the 2020 season has not been easy for many maple producers. Reports from those that lean heavily on Internet sales have been positive, while those relying on local retail sales have suffered. With an uncertain holiday season ahead, maple syrup producers should consider taking advantage of all financial support that is available.
You have until December 11, 2020, to sign up. If you have questions, call your local USDA Farm Service Agency Office.
Author: Les Ober, Geauga County OSU Extension 