Notification of Funding Availability; Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) Additional Eligible Commodities, 49589-49593 [2020-17781]
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49589
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 85, No. 158
Friday, August 14, 2020
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by
the Superintendent of Documents.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Office of the Secretary
7 CFR Part 9
[Docket ID: FSA–2020–0004]
Notification of Funding Availability;
Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
(CFAP) Additional Eligible
Commodities
Office of the Secretary,
Agriculture (USDA).
ACTION: Notification of funding
availability (NOFA).
AGENCY:
CFAP helps agricultural
producers impacted by the effects of the
COVID–19 outbreak. As provided in the
CFAP regulation, this document
announces additional commodities that
have been determined eligible for CFAP
assistance. USDA carefully reviewed the
additional information provided in the
comments to develop the list of
additional commodities.
DATES: The notification of funding
availability is effective August 14, 2020.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
William L. Beam, telephone (202) 720–
3175; email Bill.Beam@usda.gov.
Persons with disabilities or who require
alternative means for communication
should contact the USDA Target Center
at (202) 720–2600.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: CFAP
helps agricultural producers impacted
by the effects of the COVID–19 outbreak.
The CFAP regulations are in 7 CFR part
9. The CFAP regulations provide the
general eligibility requirements, the
application process, and payment
calculation information. The CFAP rule
was published in the Federal Register
on May 21, 2020 (85 FR 30825–30835)
and corrections were published in the
Federal Register on June 12, 2020 (85
FR 35799–35800) and July 10, 2020 (85
FR 41328–41330). USDA is also
publishing a correction to the final rule,
which includes an extension of the
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SUMMARY:
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CFAP application deadline for all
eligible commodities. CFAP
applications will be accepted through
September 11, 2020.
USDA requested information to
evaluate whether additional
commodities suffered losses that should
result in eligibility for CFAP. The CFAP
document that requested information
from the public for additional
commodities that suffered losses was
published in the Federal Register on
May 22, 2020 (85 FR 31062–31065), and
a correction was published on June 12,
2020 (85 FR 35812). USDA specifically
requested information in order to
evaluate whether additional
commodities suffered losses that should
result in eligibility for CFAP. Comments
were submitted through June 22, 2020,
and USDA received a total of 1,740
comments from individuals and
organizations.
In the interest of announcing
additional commodities as eligible for
CFAP as quickly as possible, we
published a previous document in the
Federal Register on July 10, 2020 (85 FR
41321–41323), announcing additional
specialty crops that were eligible for
CFAP. USDA has continued to review
the information provided by the
comments, and this document
announces additional eligible specialty
crops, non-specialty crops, and
livestock that were not included in the
regulation or the July 10 NOFA that
announced additional agricultural
commodities eligible for CFAP and the
payment rates for each commodity.
Payments for these commodities being
added by this document will be
calculated as specified in 7 CFR 9.5.
This document also specifies the
payment calculations and payment rates
for aquaculture, nursery crops
(including cut flowers), and frozen and
liquid eggs, which were not included in
the CFAP regulation. Payment rates for
additional commodities announced in
this notification are included in a table
at the end of this document. Complete
lists of all eligible commodities and
payment rates as announced in the
regulation and through the documents
published in the Federal Register are
available at https://www.farmers.gov/
cfap.
In this document, the commodities
and issues raised in the comments that
were not addressed in the prior
notification are discussed by type of
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commodity. This document also lists
the commodities for which assistance
was requested that USDA has
determined will not be eligible for
CFAP.
Specialty Crops
Comment: Requesting that a number
of specified commodities be added to
the list of eligible specialty crops. The
commodities experienced price
decreases as much as other eligible
commodities. Certain commodities
should be eligible even when no price
decrease was identified because they
were affected by market chain
disruptions.
Response: USDA evaluated the data
submitted by commenters and Market
News data when available. As a result
of that evaluation, we are adding to the
following list of commodities as eligible
for CFAP: Aloe Leaves, Bananas,
Batatas, Bok Choy, Carambola (Star
Fruit), Cherimoya, Chervil (French
parsley), Citron, Curry Leaves, Daikon,
Dates, Dill, Donqua (Winter Melon),
Dragon Fruit (Red Pitaya), Endive,
Escarole, Filberts, Frisee, Horseradish,
Kohlrabi, Kumquats, Leeks, Mamey
Sapote, Maple Sap (for Maple Syrup),
Mesculin Mix, Microgreens, Nectarines,
Parsley, Persimmons, Plantains,
Pomegranates, Pummelos, Pumpkins,
Rutabagas, Shallots, Tangelos, Turnips
(Celeriac), Turmeric, Upland and Winter
Cress, Water Cress, Yautia (Malanga),
and Yuca (Cassava).
Comment: Requesting eligibility for
zucchini and coriander.
Response: Zucchini is considered a
variety of squash, which was included
as an eligible specialty crop in the final
rule; therefore, no change is needed.
USDA is adding coriander as eligible
under the cilantro category, which was
announced as an eligible crop in the
July 10 document.
Comment: Requesting that USDA
reviews additional data for pistachios,
peppermint, and spearmint, which were
not previously eligible for payment
under 7 CFR 9.5(b)(1) for sales losses,
but were eligible for payment for
product that left the farm but spoiled
due to loss of marketing channel
(§ 9.5(b)(2)) and for product that did not
leave the farm or mature crops that
remained unharvested between January
15, 2020, and April 15, 2020, due to loss
of marketing channel (§ 9.5(b)(3)), as
announced in the July 10 document.
Data was provided to substantiate a 5
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percent price decrease for these
commodities.
Response: USDA reviewed the data
submitted by commenters and
determined that these commodities
experienced a 5 percent or more price
decrease and are eligible for payment for
sales losses under § 9.5(b)(1). This
notification provides the Coronavirus
Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
(CARES Act, Pub. L. 116–136) payment
rate for sales losses for pistachios, and
corrects the CARES Act payment rate for
pistachios for product that left the farm
but spoiled due to loss of marketing
channel and the CCC payment rate. This
document also revises the provisions for
mint to separate it into three categories
(peppermint, spearmint, and other mint)
and provide the payment rates for each
one, including CARES Act payment
rates for sales losses for peppermint and
spearmint. ‘‘Other mint’’ continues to be
eligible for payment for product that left
the farm but spoiled due to loss of
marketing channel (§ 9.5(b)(2)) and for
product that did not leave the farm or
mature crops that were unharvested due
to loss of marketing channel
(§ 9.5(b)(3)), but is not eligible for
payment for sales losses (§ 9.5(b)(1)).
USDA is also publishing a correction
to the final rule to correct the payment
rates and make the following crops
eligible for payment for sales losses
under § 9.5(b)(1): Onions, green;
walnuts; and watermelons.
Non-Specialty Crops
Comment: Requesting CFAP
assistance for ELS cotton, also known as
Pima cotton.
Response: USDA’s National
Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
has only annual producer price data.
The USDA Agricultural Marketing
Service (AMS) daily spot price of $1.10
per pound has not changed since
December 31, 2019. The National Cotton
Council suggested using the U.S. Census
Bureau monthly export price data,
which show a 7 percent price decline
from January to April 2020. Under
existing CFAP policy, export prices are
not considered a proxy to producer
prices. USDA has determined ELS
(Pima) cotton is not eligible for CFAP
due to a lack of national price data.
Comment: Requesting CFAP
assistance for wheat types other than
red hard spring and durum wheat,
which are currently eligible for CFAP.
Response: USDA determined that
other wheat varieties (including hard
red winter, soft red winter, and soft
white winter) are ineligible. The
industry provided information
recognizing that the monthly NASS
prices between January and April
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(which were not available during the
initial CFAP analysis) do not support a
5 percent price loss. The National
Wheat Association Growers requested
that USDA instead compare the highest
and lowest daily May 2020 futures
contract between January and March,
but this methodology does not conform
with existing CFAP policy. USDA has
determined that wheat varieties, with
the exception of hard red spring wheat
and durum wheat, are not eligible for
CFAP due to not having a 5 percent or
greater price decline, nationally.
Comment: Requesting CFAP
assistance for tobacco. The tobacco
industry acknowledged there was no
price decline, but shared concerns
regarding the contracted quantity and
requested that USDA use the contracted
amount for CFAP eligibility rather than
the price decline.
Response: The Commodity Credit
Corporation Charter Act prohibits use of
CCC funds under 15 U.S.C. 714c(b), (d),
and (e) for tobacco. NASS only
publishes an annual marketing year
average price for tobacco. Using
contracted quantity to determine CFAP
eligibility does not conform to existing
CFAP policy. USDA has determined
that tobacco is not eligible for CFAP due
to a lack of national price data.
Comment: Requesting CFAP
assistance for hemp.
Response: USDA evaluated data
representing on farm sales prices from
January to April 2020. While the
national price did decrease during the
first quarter of 2020, it was only a 1
percent decrease, which did not meet
the 5 percent or greater decrease in price
for CFAP eligibility. The national price
is represented by the average of 5
regional published hemp biomass
benchmark midpoints. USDA has
determined hemp is not eligible for
CFAP due to not meeting the 5 percent
or greater price decline, nationally.
Comment: Requesting CFAP
assistance for alfalfa.
Response: Alfalfa prices are
dependent on several variables, making
it difficult to determine a national price
that represents the industry as a whole.
Alfalfa is sold through either direct sales
or auctions. The prices for the same
quality, size, and locations can vary
between direct and auctions sales, and
differ from week to week and month to
month. Alfalfa can be sold in bales and
cubes, in various sizes, and the quality
is tested and graded as supreme,
premium, good, fair, and utility. Both
the NASS monthly national prices and
AMS direct sale prices showed a
decrease in price from January 2020 to
April 2020; however, the decrease was
below 5 percent. While auctions are an
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important part of the hay market, their
sales are not as consistent as direct
sales. Direct sales make up the majority
of the markets sales because they are
sales to dairies and feedlots. USDA has
determined alfalfa is not eligible for
CFAP due to not meeting the 5 percent
or greater price decline, nationally.
Comment: Requesting CFAP
assistance for green peanuts.
Response: The only data available for
green peanuts during the weeks of
January 15, 2020, and April 11, 2020,
were AMS terminal market daily report
prices, and an average price point was
taken for each week. There was not a
decrease between the two weeks; in fact,
the price increased. USDA has
determined green peanuts are not
eligible for CFAP due to not meeting the
5 percent or greater price decline,
nationally.
Livestock
Comment: Requesting CFAP
assistance for sheep that were not
previously determined to be eligible in
the CFAP final rule.
Response: The CFAP final rule
provided assistance for lambs and
yearlings, which are defined as ‘‘all
sheep less than 2 years old,’’ but did not
provide assistance for other sheep.
USDA has determined that all other
sheep will also be eligible for CFAP.
‘‘All other sheep’’ includes all sheep
that are 2 years old or older. Payments
for all other sheep will be determined
based on the calculation for lambs and
yearlings in 9 CFR 9.5(f), using the
payment rates provided in columns 3
and 4 of Table 2 of this document.
Comment: Requesting CFAP
assistance for goats, including kids and
young goats. Meat goat producers were
unable to get animals to auction or
processing plants due to facility
closures due to COVID–19.
Response: USDA reviewed available
data for goat prices. Nationally,
slaughter goats did not suffer a 5 percent
or greater price decline from midJanuary to mid-April 2020. USDA has
determined goats, including kids, are
not eligible for CFAP due to not meeting
the 5 percent or greater price decline,
nationally.
Comment: Requesting CFAP
assistance for bison, buffalo, and
beefalo.
Response: Each individual category of
bison slaughter data was researched
(young bulls, young heifers, aged bulls,
and aged cows). USDA reviewed data
from the AMS Market News Monthly
Bison Report for January 2020 and April
2020. No category met the 5 percent or
greater price decline individually, or as
a weighted average of all categories as
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a whole. USDA has determined that
bison, buffalo, and beefalo are not
eligible for CFAP due to not meeting the
5 percent or greater price decline,
nationally.
Comment: Requesting CFAP
assistance for turkeys. The turkey
industry stated that independent turkey
farmers, who make up around 10
percent of the turkey industry, suffered
financial losses because the number of
turkeys requested by the processing
plant decreased from their initial
request to the farmer. Farmers had
increased indirect costs due to raising
birds that would not be sold.
Response: While USDA understands
that turkey producers suffered losses,
the turkey industry, as a whole, did not
have a 5 percent or greater price decline,
according to national prices from AMS.
USDA has determined turkeys are not
eligible for CFAP due to not meeting the
5 percent or greater price decline,
nationally.
Aquaculture
Comment: Requesting CFAP
assistance for oysters, clams, mussels,
scallops, and marine algae.
Response: We understand that losses
have been suffered and we have
carefully considered the other assistance
that is being provided by the Federal
government. The Secretary of Commerce
is authorized to provide assistance for
molluscan shellfish and marine algae
with funding provided by section 12005
of the CARES Act. To avoid providing
duplicate payments for the same losses,
USDA has determined that CFAP will
not cover those commodities.
Comment: Requesting CFAP
assistance for catfish, largemouth bass
and carp sold live as foodfish, hybrid
striped bass, red drum, salmon,
sturgeon, tilapia, trout, ornamental or
tropical fish, and recreational sportfish.
Industry organizations indicated that
most aquaculture producers faced an
abrupt and significant drop in sales but
did not suffer price losses. Many
producers kept unsold fish inventories
for possible sales at later dates;
however, that inventory would likely be
sold at reduced prices as animals grew
past their optimal market size and
producers would incur additional
operational costs.
Response: USDA had determined that
catfish, largemouth bass and carp sold
live as foodfish, hybrid striped bass, red
drum, salmon, sturgeon, tilapia, trout,
ornamental or tropical fish, and
recreational sportfish will be eligible for
CFAP assistance. We recognize that
aquaculture commodities are unique
because they require continued feeding
and care, and they continue to grow and
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may ultimately exceed the size range
that is preferred by buyers. In addition,
many aquaculture producers cannot
begin raising new fish while still
maintaining the fish intended to be sold
prior to April 15, 2020.
Payments for these aquaculture
commodities will be the sum of:
(1) Aquaculture species sold
(excluding crawfish) from January 15,
2020, through April 15, 2020,
multiplied by the payment rate in
column 3 of Table 3 in this document;
and
(2) Inventory of the aquaculture
species (excluding crawfish) that was
not sold but was market size and
available to be marketed between
January 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020,
multiplied by the payment rate in
column 4 of Table 3 in this document.
Comment: Requesting CFAP
assistance for crawfish.
Response: USDA had determined that
crawfish will be eligible.
Payments for crawfish will be the sum
of:
(1) Crawfish sales from January 15,
2020, through April 15, 2020,
multiplied by the payment rate in
column 3 of Table 3 in this document;
and
(2) Crawfish inventory that was not
sold as of April 15, 2020, due to lack of
market and will not be sold in calendar
year 2020 multiplied by the payment
rate in column 4 of Table 3 in this
document.
Nursery Crops and Cut Flowers
Comment: Requesting CFAP
assistance for nursery crops and cut
flowers.
Response: USDA has determined that
CFAP will cover losses for nursery crops
and cut flowers. ‘‘Nursery crops’’ means
decorative or nondecorative plants
grown in a container or controlled
environment for commercial sale. ‘‘Cut
flowers’’ includes cut flowers and cut
greenery from annual and perennial
flowering plants grown in a container or
controlled environment for commercial
sale.
There is no traditional market
mechanism able to capture the price of
thousands of different varieties of
commodities of nursery crops and cut
flowers; therefore, payments will be
based on a percentage of the producer’s
wholesale value of inventory as
described below. Payments for nursery
crops and cut flowers will be the sum
of:
(1) For nursery crop and cut flower
inventory that was shipped but
subsequently spoiled or is unpaid due
to loss of marketing channels between
January 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020,
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49591
the wholesale value of the inventory
that was shipped that spoiled or is
unpaid, multiplied by 15.55 percent;
and
(2) For nursery crop and cut flower
inventory that did not leave the farm
between January 15, 2020, and April 15,
2020, due to a complete loss of
marketing channel, the wholesale value
of the inventory ready for sale that did
not leave the farm by April 15, 2020,
and that will not be sold due to lack of
markets, multiplied by 13.45 percent.
Payment rates were determined using
coverage rates that represent half of
input costs multiplied by the 40.5
percent average reported revenue loss.
This approach accounts for the higher
percentage of input costs incurred prior
to ‘‘harvest’’ of the inventory compared
to traditional agricultural crops. The
portion of the payment calculated under
paragraph (1) above will be paid with
CARES Act funding, and the portion of
the payment calculated under paragraph
(2) will be paid with CCC funding.
Inventory that may be sold after April
15, 2020, is not eligible for CFAP.
Other
Comment: Requesting CFAP
assistance for mink.
Response: NASS has only annual
producer price data for mink. The data
submitted by Fur Commission USA
(FCUSA) show no sales in January
because of the closure of auction
houses; therefore, a 5 percent price loss
cannot be determined. FCUSA
requested that USDA instead compare
January through April 2020 average
prices with January through April 2019
average prices, but this methodology
does not conform with existing CFAP
policy. USDA has determined mink is
not eligible for CFAP due to a lack of
national price data.
Comment: Requesting CFAP
assistance for mohair.
Response: NASS has only annual
producer price data. A 5 percent price
loss cannot be calculated, per existing
CFAP policy, because the data
submitted by Texas Sheep and Goat
Raisers’ Association (TSGRA) show no
sales in April. The Mohair South Africa
Auction Report is an alternative data
source, but there were no auctions held
in January and April to use to determine
a proxy price. USDA has determined
mohair is not eligible for CFAP due to
a lack of national price data.
Comment: Requesting CFAP
assistance for shell and dried eggs.
Response: AMS weekly data did not
indicate a 5 percent or greater price
decline from either shell or dried eggs
from mid-January to mid-April 2020.
USDA has determined shell eggs and
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dried eggs are not eligible for CFAP due
to not meeting the 5 percent or greater
price decline, nationally.
Comment: Requesting CFAP
assistance for liquid and frozen eggs.
Response: Two data sources (UrnerBarry and AMS Processed Eggs: Weekly
National Egg Products (Fri.) report) for
the weeks of January 15, 2020, and April
11, 2020, showed a greater than 5
percent price decline. USDA has
determined that both liquid eggs and
frozen eggs are eligible for CFAP.
Payments for liquid and frozen eggs will
be equal to the sum of the results of the
following two calculations:
(1) First quarter production,
multiplied by the CARES Act payment
rate in Table 2 of this document; and
(2) First quarter production,
multiplied by the CCC payment rate in
Table 2 of this document.
Comment: Requesting assistance for
the following commodities: Alligator,
Ame, Aronia Berry, Asparagus Seed,
Awa, Baby Beetroot, Bahia Grass Seed,
Feed Barley, Bees, Bermuda Grass,
Bitter Melon, Blue Grass Seed, Bovine
Embryos and Semen, Breadfruit,
Broccoli Romanesco, Buckwheat,
Burdock, Cacao and Cocoa, Chayote,
Sweet Cherries, Tart Cherries,
Chickpeas, Chukkar, Coffee, Crosnes,
Culantro (Recao), Dichondra, Dry Beans,
Ducks, Edamame, Fennel, Field Peas,
Flax Seed, Forage Crops, Game Birds
and Chicks, Garlic Scapes, Ginger,
Ginseng, Goat Milk, Grapes, Grass Seed,
Green Nira, Guanabana, Guinea Pigs,
Hay, Heart of Palm, Hon Tsai Tai,
Honey, Hops, Horses, Jackfruit, Kai Lan,
Kentucky Bluegrass, Lamb Pelts,
Lavender, Lentils, Lerenese (Guinea
Arrowroot), Limu (Ogo), Longan,
Lychee, Macadamia Nuts, Mangoes,
Methi Leaf, French Melon, Sun Jewel
Melon, Sweet Sarah Melon, Mong Toi,
Moringa, Nettles, Noni (Morinda
Citrafolia), Olives, Ornamental Corn,
Partridge Peas, Paw Paws, Pea Vine,
Pheasants, Pitanos, Pollinators, Poultry,
Prairie Hay, Prunes, Pulpwood
(Hardwood and Pine), Pumpkin Seeds,
Quail, Rabbits, Radishes, Rambutan,
Sapodilla, Shen Li Hon, Shrimp, Snake
Gourd, Spondias, Squab (Fledgling
Pigeon), Straw, Sturgeon Caviar, Sugar
Beets, Sunchoke, Sweet Potato Leaves,
Tamarind, Tapioca, Tat Soi, Tea,
Timber, Timothy Grass, Tomatillos,
Tong Ho, Triticale, Turfgrass, Turtles,
Snapping Turtles, Vanilla, Vegetable
Seeds, Wheatgrass, Wild Rice, Wine
Grapes, Yam, and Yu Cho Sum.
Response: Commenters requesting
assistance for these commodities did not
provide sufficient data for USDA to
determine eligibility. Due to a lack of
information required to determine if
these crops suffered eligible losses due
to the effects of COVID–19, USDA has
determined these crops are not eligible
for CFAP.
Comment: Requesting assistance for
maple butter, maple sugar, maple syrup,
olive oil, wine, raisins, and cheese.
Response: USDA has determined that
these commodities are not eligible
because they are processed products
and the intention of the program is to
pay growers for losses of commodities,
rather than processors. However, as
noted above, maple sap is eligible.
USDA received several comments that
addressed issues outside of the scope of
the questions included in the
notification.
USDA appreciates the input and will
take the comments under consideration;
however, at this time, for CFAP, USDA
is only reviewing comments that
addressed eligibility of commodities as
provided in the notification.
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TABLE 1—PAYMENT RATES FOR SPECIALTY CROPS
Commodity
CARES Act payment
rate for sales losses
($/lb)
Aloe Leaves .................................................................................
Bananas .......................................................................................
Batatas .........................................................................................
Bok Choy .....................................................................................
Carambola (Star Fruit) .................................................................
Cherimoya ....................................................................................
Chervil (French Parsley) ..............................................................
Citron ...........................................................................................
Cilantro (Coriander) .....................................................................
Curry Leaves ...............................................................................
Daikon ..........................................................................................
Dates ............................................................................................
Dill ................................................................................................
Donaqua (Winter Melon) .............................................................
Dragon Fruit (Red Pitaya) ...........................................................
Endive ..........................................................................................
Escarole .......................................................................................
Filberts .........................................................................................
Frisee ...........................................................................................
Horseradish ..................................................................................
Kohlrabi ........................................................................................
Kumquats .....................................................................................
Leeks ...........................................................................................
Mamey Sapote .............................................................................
Maple Sap* (for Maple Syrup) .....................................................
Mesculin Mix ................................................................................
Microgreens .................................................................................
Mint (Others not listed) ................................................................
Nectarines ....................................................................................
Parsley .........................................................................................
Peppermint ...................................................................................
Persimmons .................................................................................
$0.06
0.34
........................................
0.22
........................................
1.83
2.74
0.32
0.19
2.40
........................................
........................................
........................................
1.42
........................................
0.04
0.11
0.41
........................................
........................................
........................................
1.28
0.14
0.56
0.07
........................................
........................................
........................................
........................................
0.19
1.60
........................................
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CARES Act payment
rate for product that left
the farm but spoiled due
to loss of marketing
channel
($/lb)
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$0.19
0.20
0.32
0.23
0.58
0.98
8.09
0.26
0.23
5.25
0.19
1.44
5.38
0.60
1.03
0.15
0.18
0.67
0.69
3.72
0.24
1.76
0.18
0.92
0.20
0.79
7.15
0.93
0.30
0.23
5.40
0.53
14AUR1
CCC payment rate
($/lb)
$0.04
0.04
0.06
0.05
0.11
0.19
1.58
0.05
0.05
1.03
0.04
0.28
1.05
0.12
0.20
0.03
0.04
0.13
0.14
0.73
0.05
0.34
0.03
0.18
0.04
0.16
1.40
0.18
0.06
0.04
1.06
0.10
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 158 / Friday, August 14, 2020 / Rules and Regulations
49593
TABLE 1—PAYMENT RATES FOR SPECIALTY CROPS—Continued
Commodity
CARES Act payment
rate for sales losses
($/lb)
Pistachios .....................................................................................
Plantains ......................................................................................
Pomegranates ..............................................................................
Pummelos ....................................................................................
Pumpkins .....................................................................................
Rutabagas ....................................................................................
Shallots ........................................................................................
Spearmint .....................................................................................
Tangelos ......................................................................................
Turmeric .......................................................................................
Turnips (Celeriac) ........................................................................
Upland and Winter Cress ............................................................
Watercress ...................................................................................
Yautia (Malanga) .........................................................................
Yuca (Cassava) ...........................................................................
0.22
0.18
........................................
........................................
0.72
0.08
0.51
1.60
0.05
........................................
........................................
........................................
........................................
0.48
........................................
CARES Act payment
rate for product that left
the farm but spoiled due
to loss of marketing
channel
($/lb)
CCC payment rate
($/lb)
1.28
0.15
0.54
0.21
0.39
0.19
0.70
4.80
0.22
1.05
0.20
2.18
2.18
0.42
0.16
0.25
0.03
0.11
0.04
0.08
0.04
0.14
0.94
0.04
0.20
0.04
0.43
0.43
0.08
0.03
* The payment rates for Maple Sap (for Maple Syrup) are $/gallon.
TABLE 2—PAYMENT RATES FOR NON-SPECIALTY CROPS AND LIVESTOCK
CARES Act
payment rate
($/unit)
Commodity
Unit
Liquid Eggs ..................................................................................................................................
Frozen Eggs ................................................................................................................................
All Other Sheep (All sheep greater than 2 years of age) ...........................................................
Pound ............
Pound ............
Head ..............
$0.05
0.06
24.00
CCC
payment rate
($/unit)
$0.02
0.02
7.00
TABLE 3—PAYMENT RATES FOR AQUACULTURE COMMODITIES
Commodity
Unit
CARES Act
payment rate
($/unit)
Crawfish .......................................................................................................................................
Catfish ..........................................................................................................................................
Largemouth Bass and Carp Sold as Foodfish ............................................................................
Hybrid Striped Bass .....................................................................................................................
Red Drum ....................................................................................................................................
Salmon .........................................................................................................................................
Sturgeon ......................................................................................................................................
Tilapia ..........................................................................................................................................
Trout ............................................................................................................................................
Ornamental or Tropical Fish ........................................................................................................
Recreational Sportfish .................................................................................................................
Pound ............
Pound ............
Pound ............
Pound ............
Pound ............
Pound ............
Pound ............
Pound ............
Pound ............
Piece ..............
Pound ............
$0.65
........................
0.51
........................
........................
1.14
........................
........................
........................
........................
........................
Stephen L. Censky,
Vice Chairman, Commodity Credit
Corporation, and Deputy Secretary, U.S.
Department of Agriculture.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
[FR Doc. 2020–17781 Filed 8–11–20; 11:15 am]
7 CFR Part 9
BILLING CODE P
[Docket ID: FSA–2020–0004]
Office of the Secretary
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with RULES
RIN 0503–AA65
Coronavirus Food Assistance
Program; Correction
Office of the Secretary,
Agriculture (USDA).
ACTION: Correcting amendments.
AGENCY:
The Secretary of Agriculture
implemented the Coronavirus Food
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:38 Aug 13, 2020
Jkt 250001
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
CCC
payment rate
($/unit)
$0.05
0.07
0.39
0.25
0.24
0.31
0.29
0.16
0.11
0.03
0.27
Assistance Program (CFAP), which
provides assistance to agricultural
producers impacted by the effects of the
COVID–19 outbreak, through a final rule
published in the Federal Register on
May 21, 2020. We were able to
reevaluate the payment rates for certain
specialty crops based on data that was
available from industry in response to
the CFAP notice of funding availability,
which was published in the Federal
Register on May 22, 2020. This
document corrects payment rates and
categories for those specialty crops that
were published in the final rule. It also
clarifies eligibility of aquaculture
commodities and extends the CFAP
E:\FR\FM\14AUR1.SGM
14AUR1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 158 (Friday, August 14, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 49589-49593]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-17781]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 158 / Friday, August 14, 2020 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 49589]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Office of the Secretary
7 CFR Part 9
[Docket ID: FSA-2020-0004]
Notification of Funding Availability; Coronavirus Food Assistance
Program (CFAP) Additional Eligible Commodities
AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Agriculture (USDA).
ACTION: Notification of funding availability (NOFA).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: CFAP helps agricultural producers impacted by the effects of
the COVID-19 outbreak. As provided in the CFAP regulation, this
document announces additional commodities that have been determined
eligible for CFAP assistance. USDA carefully reviewed the additional
information provided in the comments to develop the list of additional
commodities.
DATES: The notification of funding availability is effective August 14,
2020.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William L. Beam, telephone (202) 720-
3175; email [email protected]. Persons with disabilities or who
require alternative means for communication should contact the USDA
Target Center at (202) 720-2600.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: CFAP helps agricultural producers impacted
by the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. The CFAP regulations are in 7
CFR part 9. The CFAP regulations provide the general eligibility
requirements, the application process, and payment calculation
information. The CFAP rule was published in the Federal Register on May
21, 2020 (85 FR 30825-30835) and corrections were published in the
Federal Register on June 12, 2020 (85 FR 35799-35800) and July 10, 2020
(85 FR 41328-41330). USDA is also publishing a correction to the final
rule, which includes an extension of the CFAP application deadline for
all eligible commodities. CFAP applications will be accepted through
September 11, 2020.
USDA requested information to evaluate whether additional
commodities suffered losses that should result in eligibility for CFAP.
The CFAP document that requested information from the public for
additional commodities that suffered losses was published in the
Federal Register on May 22, 2020 (85 FR 31062-31065), and a correction
was published on June 12, 2020 (85 FR 35812). USDA specifically
requested information in order to evaluate whether additional
commodities suffered losses that should result in eligibility for CFAP.
Comments were submitted through June 22, 2020, and USDA received a
total of 1,740 comments from individuals and organizations.
In the interest of announcing additional commodities as eligible
for CFAP as quickly as possible, we published a previous document in
the Federal Register on July 10, 2020 (85 FR 41321-41323), announcing
additional specialty crops that were eligible for CFAP. USDA has
continued to review the information provided by the comments, and this
document announces additional eligible specialty crops, non-specialty
crops, and livestock that were not included in the regulation or the
July 10 NOFA that announced additional agricultural commodities
eligible for CFAP and the payment rates for each commodity. Payments
for these commodities being added by this document will be calculated
as specified in 7 CFR 9.5. This document also specifies the payment
calculations and payment rates for aquaculture, nursery crops
(including cut flowers), and frozen and liquid eggs, which were not
included in the CFAP regulation. Payment rates for additional
commodities announced in this notification are included in a table at
the end of this document. Complete lists of all eligible commodities
and payment rates as announced in the regulation and through the
documents published in the Federal Register are available at https://www.farmers.gov/cfap.
In this document, the commodities and issues raised in the comments
that were not addressed in the prior notification are discussed by type
of commodity. This document also lists the commodities for which
assistance was requested that USDA has determined will not be eligible
for CFAP.
Specialty Crops
Comment: Requesting that a number of specified commodities be added
to the list of eligible specialty crops. The commodities experienced
price decreases as much as other eligible commodities. Certain
commodities should be eligible even when no price decrease was
identified because they were affected by market chain disruptions.
Response: USDA evaluated the data submitted by commenters and
Market News data when available. As a result of that evaluation, we are
adding to the following list of commodities as eligible for CFAP: Aloe
Leaves, Bananas, Batatas, Bok Choy, Carambola (Star Fruit), Cherimoya,
Chervil (French parsley), Citron, Curry Leaves, Daikon, Dates, Dill,
Donqua (Winter Melon), Dragon Fruit (Red Pitaya), Endive, Escarole,
Filberts, Frisee, Horseradish, Kohlrabi, Kumquats, Leeks, Mamey Sapote,
Maple Sap (for Maple Syrup), Mesculin Mix, Microgreens, Nectarines,
Parsley, Persimmons, Plantains, Pomegranates, Pummelos, Pumpkins,
Rutabagas, Shallots, Tangelos, Turnips (Celeriac), Turmeric, Upland and
Winter Cress, Water Cress, Yautia (Malanga), and Yuca (Cassava).
Comment: Requesting eligibility for zucchini and coriander.
Response: Zucchini is considered a variety of squash, which was
included as an eligible specialty crop in the final rule; therefore, no
change is needed. USDA is adding coriander as eligible under the
cilantro category, which was announced as an eligible crop in the July
10 document.
Comment: Requesting that USDA reviews additional data for
pistachios, peppermint, and spearmint, which were not previously
eligible for payment under 7 CFR 9.5(b)(1) for sales losses, but were
eligible for payment for product that left the farm but spoiled due to
loss of marketing channel (Sec. 9.5(b)(2)) and for product that did
not leave the farm or mature crops that remained unharvested between
January 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020, due to loss of marketing channel
(Sec. 9.5(b)(3)), as announced in the July 10 document. Data was
provided to substantiate a 5
[[Page 49590]]
percent price decrease for these commodities.
Response: USDA reviewed the data submitted by commenters and
determined that these commodities experienced a 5 percent or more price
decrease and are eligible for payment for sales losses under Sec.
9.5(b)(1). This notification provides the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Economic Security Act (CARES Act, Pub. L. 116-136) payment rate for
sales losses for pistachios, and corrects the CARES Act payment rate
for pistachios for product that left the farm but spoiled due to loss
of marketing channel and the CCC payment rate. This document also
revises the provisions for mint to separate it into three categories
(peppermint, spearmint, and other mint) and provide the payment rates
for each one, including CARES Act payment rates for sales losses for
peppermint and spearmint. ``Other mint'' continues to be eligible for
payment for product that left the farm but spoiled due to loss of
marketing channel (Sec. 9.5(b)(2)) and for product that did not leave
the farm or mature crops that were unharvested due to loss of marketing
channel (Sec. 9.5(b)(3)), but is not eligible for payment for sales
losses (Sec. 9.5(b)(1)).
USDA is also publishing a correction to the final rule to correct
the payment rates and make the following crops eligible for payment for
sales losses under Sec. 9.5(b)(1): Onions, green; walnuts; and
watermelons.
Non-Specialty Crops
Comment: Requesting CFAP assistance for ELS cotton, also known as
Pima cotton.
Response: USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
has only annual producer price data. The USDA Agricultural Marketing
Service (AMS) daily spot price of $1.10 per pound has not changed since
December 31, 2019. The National Cotton Council suggested using the U.S.
Census Bureau monthly export price data, which show a 7 percent price
decline from January to April 2020. Under existing CFAP policy, export
prices are not considered a proxy to producer prices. USDA has
determined ELS (Pima) cotton is not eligible for CFAP due to a lack of
national price data.
Comment: Requesting CFAP assistance for wheat types other than red
hard spring and durum wheat, which are currently eligible for CFAP.
Response: USDA determined that other wheat varieties (including
hard red winter, soft red winter, and soft white winter) are
ineligible. The industry provided information recognizing that the
monthly NASS prices between January and April (which were not available
during the initial CFAP analysis) do not support a 5 percent price
loss. The National Wheat Association Growers requested that USDA
instead compare the highest and lowest daily May 2020 futures contract
between January and March, but this methodology does not conform with
existing CFAP policy. USDA has determined that wheat varieties, with
the exception of hard red spring wheat and durum wheat, are not
eligible for CFAP due to not having a 5 percent or greater price
decline, nationally.
Comment: Requesting CFAP assistance for tobacco. The tobacco
industry acknowledged there was no price decline, but shared concerns
regarding the contracted quantity and requested that USDA use the
contracted amount for CFAP eligibility rather than the price decline.
Response: The Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act prohibits
use of CCC funds under 15 U.S.C. 714c(b), (d), and (e) for tobacco.
NASS only publishes an annual marketing year average price for tobacco.
Using contracted quantity to determine CFAP eligibility does not
conform to existing CFAP policy. USDA has determined that tobacco is
not eligible for CFAP due to a lack of national price data.
Comment: Requesting CFAP assistance for hemp.
Response: USDA evaluated data representing on farm sales prices
from January to April 2020. While the national price did decrease
during the first quarter of 2020, it was only a 1 percent decrease,
which did not meet the 5 percent or greater decrease in price for CFAP
eligibility. The national price is represented by the average of 5
regional published hemp biomass benchmark midpoints. USDA has
determined hemp is not eligible for CFAP due to not meeting the 5
percent or greater price decline, nationally.
Comment: Requesting CFAP assistance for alfalfa.
Response: Alfalfa prices are dependent on several variables, making
it difficult to determine a national price that represents the industry
as a whole. Alfalfa is sold through either direct sales or auctions.
The prices for the same quality, size, and locations can vary between
direct and auctions sales, and differ from week to week and month to
month. Alfalfa can be sold in bales and cubes, in various sizes, and
the quality is tested and graded as supreme, premium, good, fair, and
utility. Both the NASS monthly national prices and AMS direct sale
prices showed a decrease in price from January 2020 to April 2020;
however, the decrease was below 5 percent. While auctions are an
important part of the hay market, their sales are not as consistent as
direct sales. Direct sales make up the majority of the markets sales
because they are sales to dairies and feedlots. USDA has determined
alfalfa is not eligible for CFAP due to not meeting the 5 percent or
greater price decline, nationally.
Comment: Requesting CFAP assistance for green peanuts.
Response: The only data available for green peanuts during the
weeks of January 15, 2020, and April 11, 2020, were AMS terminal market
daily report prices, and an average price point was taken for each
week. There was not a decrease between the two weeks; in fact, the
price increased. USDA has determined green peanuts are not eligible for
CFAP due to not meeting the 5 percent or greater price decline,
nationally.
Livestock
Comment: Requesting CFAP assistance for sheep that were not
previously determined to be eligible in the CFAP final rule.
Response: The CFAP final rule provided assistance for lambs and
yearlings, which are defined as ``all sheep less than 2 years old,''
but did not provide assistance for other sheep. USDA has determined
that all other sheep will also be eligible for CFAP. ``All other
sheep'' includes all sheep that are 2 years old or older. Payments for
all other sheep will be determined based on the calculation for lambs
and yearlings in 9 CFR 9.5(f), using the payment rates provided in
columns 3 and 4 of Table 2 of this document.
Comment: Requesting CFAP assistance for goats, including kids and
young goats. Meat goat producers were unable to get animals to auction
or processing plants due to facility closures due to COVID-19.
Response: USDA reviewed available data for goat prices. Nationally,
slaughter goats did not suffer a 5 percent or greater price decline
from mid-January to mid-April 2020. USDA has determined goats,
including kids, are not eligible for CFAP due to not meeting the 5
percent or greater price decline, nationally.
Comment: Requesting CFAP assistance for bison, buffalo, and
beefalo.
Response: Each individual category of bison slaughter data was
researched (young bulls, young heifers, aged bulls, and aged cows).
USDA reviewed data from the AMS Market News Monthly Bison Report for
January 2020 and April 2020. No category met the 5 percent or greater
price decline individually, or as a weighted average of all categories
as
[[Page 49591]]
a whole. USDA has determined that bison, buffalo, and beefalo are not
eligible for CFAP due to not meeting the 5 percent or greater price
decline, nationally.
Comment: Requesting CFAP assistance for turkeys. The turkey
industry stated that independent turkey farmers, who make up around 10
percent of the turkey industry, suffered financial losses because the
number of turkeys requested by the processing plant decreased from
their initial request to the farmer. Farmers had increased indirect
costs due to raising birds that would not be sold.
Response: While USDA understands that turkey producers suffered
losses, the turkey industry, as a whole, did not have a 5 percent or
greater price decline, according to national prices from AMS. USDA has
determined turkeys are not eligible for CFAP due to not meeting the 5
percent or greater price decline, nationally.
Aquaculture
Comment: Requesting CFAP assistance for oysters, clams, mussels,
scallops, and marine algae.
Response: We understand that losses have been suffered and we have
carefully considered the other assistance that is being provided by the
Federal government. The Secretary of Commerce is authorized to provide
assistance for molluscan shellfish and marine algae with funding
provided by section 12005 of the CARES Act. To avoid providing
duplicate payments for the same losses, USDA has determined that CFAP
will not cover those commodities.
Comment: Requesting CFAP assistance for catfish, largemouth bass
and carp sold live as foodfish, hybrid striped bass, red drum, salmon,
sturgeon, tilapia, trout, ornamental or tropical fish, and recreational
sportfish. Industry organizations indicated that most aquaculture
producers faced an abrupt and significant drop in sales but did not
suffer price losses. Many producers kept unsold fish inventories for
possible sales at later dates; however, that inventory would likely be
sold at reduced prices as animals grew past their optimal market size
and producers would incur additional operational costs.
Response: USDA had determined that catfish, largemouth bass and
carp sold live as foodfish, hybrid striped bass, red drum, salmon,
sturgeon, tilapia, trout, ornamental or tropical fish, and recreational
sportfish will be eligible for CFAP assistance. We recognize that
aquaculture commodities are unique because they require continued
feeding and care, and they continue to grow and may ultimately exceed
the size range that is preferred by buyers. In addition, many
aquaculture producers cannot begin raising new fish while still
maintaining the fish intended to be sold prior to April 15, 2020.
Payments for these aquaculture commodities will be the sum of:
(1) Aquaculture species sold (excluding crawfish) from January 15,
2020, through April 15, 2020, multiplied by the payment rate in column
3 of Table 3 in this document; and
(2) Inventory of the aquaculture species (excluding crawfish) that
was not sold but was market size and available to be marketed between
January 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020, multiplied by the payment rate in
column 4 of Table 3 in this document.
Comment: Requesting CFAP assistance for crawfish.
Response: USDA had determined that crawfish will be eligible.
Payments for crawfish will be the sum of:
(1) Crawfish sales from January 15, 2020, through April 15, 2020,
multiplied by the payment rate in column 3 of Table 3 in this document;
and
(2) Crawfish inventory that was not sold as of April 15, 2020, due
to lack of market and will not be sold in calendar year 2020 multiplied
by the payment rate in column 4 of Table 3 in this document.
Nursery Crops and Cut Flowers
Comment: Requesting CFAP assistance for nursery crops and cut
flowers.
Response: USDA has determined that CFAP will cover losses for
nursery crops and cut flowers. ``Nursery crops'' means decorative or
nondecorative plants grown in a container or controlled environment for
commercial sale. ``Cut flowers'' includes cut flowers and cut greenery
from annual and perennial flowering plants grown in a container or
controlled environment for commercial sale.
There is no traditional market mechanism able to capture the price
of thousands of different varieties of commodities of nursery crops and
cut flowers; therefore, payments will be based on a percentage of the
producer's wholesale value of inventory as described below. Payments
for nursery crops and cut flowers will be the sum of:
(1) For nursery crop and cut flower inventory that was shipped but
subsequently spoiled or is unpaid due to loss of marketing channels
between January 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020, the wholesale value of
the inventory that was shipped that spoiled or is unpaid, multiplied by
15.55 percent; and
(2) For nursery crop and cut flower inventory that did not leave
the farm between January 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020, due to a
complete loss of marketing channel, the wholesale value of the
inventory ready for sale that did not leave the farm by April 15, 2020,
and that will not be sold due to lack of markets, multiplied by 13.45
percent.
Payment rates were determined using coverage rates that represent
half of input costs multiplied by the 40.5 percent average reported
revenue loss. This approach accounts for the higher percentage of input
costs incurred prior to ``harvest'' of the inventory compared to
traditional agricultural crops. The portion of the payment calculated
under paragraph (1) above will be paid with CARES Act funding, and the
portion of the payment calculated under paragraph (2) will be paid with
CCC funding. Inventory that may be sold after April 15, 2020, is not
eligible for CFAP.
Other
Comment: Requesting CFAP assistance for mink.
Response: NASS has only annual producer price data for mink. The
data submitted by Fur Commission USA (FCUSA) show no sales in January
because of the closure of auction houses; therefore, a 5 percent price
loss cannot be determined. FCUSA requested that USDA instead compare
January through April 2020 average prices with January through April
2019 average prices, but this methodology does not conform with
existing CFAP policy. USDA has determined mink is not eligible for CFAP
due to a lack of national price data.
Comment: Requesting CFAP assistance for mohair.
Response: NASS has only annual producer price data. A 5 percent
price loss cannot be calculated, per existing CFAP policy, because the
data submitted by Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers' Association (TSGRA)
show no sales in April. The Mohair South Africa Auction Report is an
alternative data source, but there were no auctions held in January and
April to use to determine a proxy price. USDA has determined mohair is
not eligible for CFAP due to a lack of national price data.
Comment: Requesting CFAP assistance for shell and dried eggs.
Response: AMS weekly data did not indicate a 5 percent or greater
price decline from either shell or dried eggs from mid-January to mid-
April 2020. USDA has determined shell eggs and
[[Page 49592]]
dried eggs are not eligible for CFAP due to not meeting the 5 percent
or greater price decline, nationally.
Comment: Requesting CFAP assistance for liquid and frozen eggs.
Response: Two data sources (Urner-Barry and AMS Processed Eggs:
Weekly National Egg Products (Fri.) report) for the weeks of January
15, 2020, and April 11, 2020, showed a greater than 5 percent price
decline. USDA has determined that both liquid eggs and frozen eggs are
eligible for CFAP. Payments for liquid and frozen eggs will be equal to
the sum of the results of the following two calculations:
(1) First quarter production, multiplied by the CARES Act payment
rate in Table 2 of this document; and
(2) First quarter production, multiplied by the CCC payment rate in
Table 2 of this document.
Comment: Requesting assistance for the following commodities:
Alligator, Ame, Aronia Berry, Asparagus Seed, Awa, Baby Beetroot, Bahia
Grass Seed, Feed Barley, Bees, Bermuda Grass, Bitter Melon, Blue Grass
Seed, Bovine Embryos and Semen, Breadfruit, Broccoli Romanesco,
Buckwheat, Burdock, Cacao and Cocoa, Chayote, Sweet Cherries, Tart
Cherries, Chickpeas, Chukkar, Coffee, Crosnes, Culantro (Recao),
Dichondra, Dry Beans, Ducks, Edamame, Fennel, Field Peas, Flax Seed,
Forage Crops, Game Birds and Chicks, Garlic Scapes, Ginger, Ginseng,
Goat Milk, Grapes, Grass Seed, Green Nira, Guanabana, Guinea Pigs, Hay,
Heart of Palm, Hon Tsai Tai, Honey, Hops, Horses, Jackfruit, Kai Lan,
Kentucky Bluegrass, Lamb Pelts, Lavender, Lentils, Lerenese (Guinea
Arrowroot), Limu (Ogo), Longan, Lychee, Macadamia Nuts, Mangoes, Methi
Leaf, French Melon, Sun Jewel Melon, Sweet Sarah Melon, Mong Toi,
Moringa, Nettles, Noni (Morinda Citrafolia), Olives, Ornamental Corn,
Partridge Peas, Paw Paws, Pea Vine, Pheasants, Pitanos, Pollinators,
Poultry, Prairie Hay, Prunes, Pulpwood (Hardwood and Pine), Pumpkin
Seeds, Quail, Rabbits, Radishes, Rambutan, Sapodilla, Shen Li Hon,
Shrimp, Snake Gourd, Spondias, Squab (Fledgling Pigeon), Straw,
Sturgeon Caviar, Sugar Beets, Sunchoke, Sweet Potato Leaves, Tamarind,
Tapioca, Tat Soi, Tea, Timber, Timothy Grass, Tomatillos, Tong Ho,
Triticale, Turfgrass, Turtles, Snapping Turtles, Vanilla, Vegetable
Seeds, Wheatgrass, Wild Rice, Wine Grapes, Yam, and Yu Cho Sum.
Response: Commenters requesting assistance for these commodities
did not provide sufficient data for USDA to determine eligibility. Due
to a lack of information required to determine if these crops suffered
eligible losses due to the effects of COVID-19, USDA has determined
these crops are not eligible for CFAP.
Comment: Requesting assistance for maple butter, maple sugar, maple
syrup, olive oil, wine, raisins, and cheese.
Response: USDA has determined that these commodities are not
eligible because they are processed products and the intention of the
program is to pay growers for losses of commodities, rather than
processors. However, as noted above, maple sap is eligible.
USDA received several comments that addressed issues outside of the
scope of the questions included in the notification.
USDA appreciates the input and will take the comments under
consideration; however, at this time, for CFAP, USDA is only reviewing
comments that addressed eligibility of commodities as provided in the
notification.
Table 1--Payment Rates for Specialty Crops
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CARES Act payment rate
for product that left
CARES Act payment rate the farm but spoiled
Commodity for sales losses ($/lb) due to loss of CCC payment rate ($/lb)
marketing channel ($/
lb)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aloe Leaves.......................... $0.06 $0.19 $0.04
Bananas.............................. 0.34 0.20 0.04
Batatas.............................. ....................... 0.32 0.06
Bok Choy............................. 0.22 0.23 0.05
Carambola (Star Fruit)............... ....................... 0.58 0.11
Cherimoya............................ 1.83 0.98 0.19
Chervil (French Parsley)............. 2.74 8.09 1.58
Citron............................... 0.32 0.26 0.05
Cilantro (Coriander)................. 0.19 0.23 0.05
Curry Leaves......................... 2.40 5.25 1.03
Daikon............................... ....................... 0.19 0.04
Dates................................ ....................... 1.44 0.28
Dill................................. ....................... 5.38 1.05
Donaqua (Winter Melon)............... 1.42 0.60 0.12
Dragon Fruit (Red Pitaya)............ ....................... 1.03 0.20
Endive............................... 0.04 0.15 0.03
Escarole............................. 0.11 0.18 0.04
Filberts............................. 0.41 0.67 0.13
Frisee............................... ....................... 0.69 0.14
Horseradish.......................... ....................... 3.72 0.73
Kohlrabi............................. ....................... 0.24 0.05
Kumquats............................. 1.28 1.76 0.34
Leeks................................ 0.14 0.18 0.03
Mamey Sapote......................... 0.56 0.92 0.18
Maple Sap* (for Maple Syrup)......... 0.07 0.20 0.04
Mesculin Mix......................... ....................... 0.79 0.16
Microgreens.......................... ....................... 7.15 1.40
Mint (Others not listed)............. ....................... 0.93 0.18
Nectarines........................... ....................... 0.30 0.06
Parsley.............................. 0.19 0.23 0.04
Peppermint........................... 1.60 5.40 1.06
Persimmons........................... ....................... 0.53 0.10
[[Page 49593]]
Pistachios........................... 0.22 1.28 0.25
Plantains............................ 0.18 0.15 0.03
Pomegranates......................... ....................... 0.54 0.11
Pummelos............................. ....................... 0.21 0.04
Pumpkins............................. 0.72 0.39 0.08
Rutabagas............................ 0.08 0.19 0.04
Shallots............................. 0.51 0.70 0.14
Spearmint............................ 1.60 4.80 0.94
Tangelos............................. 0.05 0.22 0.04
Turmeric............................. ....................... 1.05 0.20
Turnips (Celeriac)................... ....................... 0.20 0.04
Upland and Winter Cress.............. ....................... 2.18 0.43
Watercress........................... ....................... 2.18 0.43
Yautia (Malanga)..................... 0.48 0.42 0.08
Yuca (Cassava)....................... ....................... 0.16 0.03
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* The payment rates for Maple Sap (for Maple Syrup) are $/gallon.
Table 2--Payment Rates for Non-Specialty Crops and Livestock
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CARES Act
Commodity Unit payment rate CCC payment
($/unit) rate ($/unit)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liquid Eggs................................. Pound............................. $0.05 $0.02
Frozen Eggs................................. Pound............................. 0.06 0.02
All Other Sheep (All sheep greater than 2 Head.............................. 24.00 7.00
years of age).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 3--Payment Rates for Aquaculture Commodities
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CARES Act
Commodity Unit payment rate CCC payment
($/unit) rate ($/unit)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crawfish.................................... Pound............................. $0.65 $0.05
Catfish..................................... Pound............................. .............. 0.07
Largemouth Bass and Carp Sold as Foodfish... Pound............................. 0.51 0.39
Hybrid Striped Bass......................... Pound............................. .............. 0.25
Red Drum.................................... Pound............................. .............. 0.24
Salmon...................................... Pound............................. 1.14 0.31
Sturgeon.................................... Pound............................. .............. 0.29
Tilapia..................................... Pound............................. .............. 0.16
Trout....................................... Pound............................. .............. 0.11
Ornamental or Tropical Fish................. Piece............................. .............. 0.03
Recreational Sportfish...................... Pound............................. .............. 0.27
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen L. Censky,
Vice Chairman, Commodity Credit Corporation, and Deputy Secretary, U.S.
Department of Agriculture.
[FR Doc. 2020-17781 Filed 8-11-20; 11:15 am]
BILLING CODE P
