NCGA Welcomes COVID-19 Assistance for Corn Farmers

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today welcomed additional information from the Trump Administration on the $16 billion in much-needed assistance from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) to begin to help farmers and their customers recover from the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA's Farm Service Agency will begin accepting applications from eligible producers May 26.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has led to much uncertainty across farm country,” said NCGA President Kevin Ross. “This assistance is a first step to getting farmers, and our customers, back on solid footing.”

Recent analysis conducted by NCGA underscores the need for the assistance outlined by the President today. The analysis projects a $50 per acre average revenue decline for the 2019 corn crop with losses anticipated to be higher for the 2020 crop as two of corn’s largest uses, livestock feed and ethanol, have been especially impacted by COVID-19.

“Corn farmers are used to uncertainty and have been leaders in developing strong risk management tools to help farmers stay afloat during tough times, but the COVID-19 pandemic is unlike anything we’ve experienced before,” said Ross. “NCGA thanks the Administration for their quick action to develop and implement this important program and address the challenges currently facing farmers.”

NCGA looks forward to continued conversations with lawmakers and the Administration on efforts to address damage to the agriculture sector. More information on NCGA’s efforts to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on corn farmers can be found at ncga.com/covid-19.