USDA has announced that the second portion of the direct aid payments under the 2019 “Market Facilitation Program” (MFP2) will be made in late November or early December.
The MFP payments provide financial support for producers of a wide range of crops, including corn, soybeans and wheat, as well as hog and dairy producers.
The payments are part of a $16 billion aid package intended to help offset the financial impacts on farmers that have been created by the ongoing trade disputes with China, Mexico, Canada and other countries.
The first half of the total 2019 MFP payment has been made. As of Nov. 12, USDA had paid out approximately $6.8 billion to eligible producers. The second portion of the MFP2 payment will be made in late November or early December. The third and final portion of the payment, which has not been confirmed, would be made in January.
The 2019 MFP sign-up period continues through Dec. 6. The easiest and preferred method to apply for MFP program payments is to complete the application form, found at www.farmers.gov/MFP. The web site also contains a fact sheet and other information about the MFP program. Applications can also be made local FSA offices, either in-person, by mail, or electronically via e-mail, scan or fax.
Negotiations between the U.S. and China to end their 18-month old trade war had shown some positive signs in recent weeks, but no final agreement has been reached.
Source: Agrinews