Below is a list of resources available to support farmers during COVID-19. This list will be updated with new as we receive it.

A Closer Look at Farmer Relief in Senate Pandemic Aid Package:

The most significant agricultural provision is the creation of a new $9.5 billion disaster relief program to provide “support for producers impacted by the coronavirus.” The funding is reserved for:

• Specialty crop producers
• Livestock producers (including dairy)
• Producers that supply local food systems (including farmers markets, restaurants, and schools

Safe Food Handling Practices 
Please review the US Food and Drug Administration’s FAQ’s regarding COVID-19, scroll down to “Food Products”. Please also review the FDA’s Safe Handling Protocols for your farm.

Farmer Relief Fund – American Farmland Trust
Farms and ranches engaged in direct sales are estimated to lose anywhere from $700 million to $1.3 billion in sales between March and May alone. All monies raised will go directly to farmers. The fund will award eligible farmers with cash grants of up to $1,000 each to help them weather the current storm of market disruptions caused by the COVID-19 crisis. The initial focus will be on farms that sell at farmers markets or to restaurants, caterers, schools, stores, or makers who use farm products. That’s why AFT is launching the Farmer Relief Fund.

Financial Support for Small Farm & Food Businesses Impacted by COVID-19: King County DNRP Agriculture Program has collected local, state and federal resources for Washington State food and farm businesses impacted by the spread of COVID-19 in a single document. Most federal support for farms comes through USDA crop insurance and FSA disaster programs.

Financial Resources for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19: The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has developed a list of financial resources for Washington consumers impacted by the Coronavirus. We will add to this list as more resources become available.

• Assessing your financial institution
• Unemployment help
• Trouble paying credit cards, mortgage, or rent
• Student loans deferment
• Short term and emergency loans
• Paying utilities, insurance issues, avoiding scams

https://www.washingtonyoungfarmers.org/covid19?fbclid=IwAR3zlJKljyJmV33mQicoxKk3kL2153v4jkOcWvXr9FrYmJTHE14MpUIdM6g

Washington Law Help
Get legal help and info.

USDA Farm Service Agency Disaster Assistance Programs
USDA offers a variety of programs and services to help communities, farmers, ranchers, and businesses.

USDA Rural Development  – USDA is granting lenders a temporary exception to offer payment deferrals for Agency guaranteed loan programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Resources – Washington State Department of Agriculture

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Business Resources in Washington State – Center for Inclusive Entrepreneurship 
Business resources which includes information on financial assistance and SBDC resiliency webinars.

Keep up to date about COVID-19:
Washington State Department of Health
Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille Counties