Things you need to know about the Market Facilitation Program

Producers can now apply for the trade mitigation package announced by the Department of Agriculture. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the launch of the program for farmers suffering from damage due to trade retaliation by foreign nations. Producers of certain commodities can now sign up for the Market Facilitation Program by clicking here, while USDA will also begin to purchase identified commodities under a food purchase and distribution program. Additionally, USDA has begun accepting proposals for the Agricultural Trade Promotion Program, which will help farmers find and access new markets for their products. In total, USDA will authorize up to $12 billion in programs. The payments to farmers are based on 2018 production levels that must be certified and provided to USDA. For soybeans, that’s $1.65 a bushel, for 50 percent of production. For corn, it’s a one cent per-bushel payment, for 50 percent of production.