The US Department of Agriculture says livestock and poultry producers who suffered pandemic-related financial losses because of problems accessing processing facilities can apply for federal relief.
Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says producers can apply for relief through the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program through Sept. 17. Packers, live poultry dealers and contract growers are not eligible.
The program offers payments for losses between March 1, 2020 and Dec. 26, 2020. Payments will be based on 80 percent of fair market value, as well as costs of animal “depopulation” and disposal.
Eligible people or legal entities must have an average adjusted gross income of under $900,000 for tax years 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Eligible producers can apply by filling out the FSA-620 Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program application and submit it to any Farm Service Agency office. Application information is available online at www.farmers.gov/plip.
