ADADBut because of how and what young farmers, first-generation farmers and farmers of color produce, it has not been easy for them to apply for CFAP assistance, or loans from the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. The National Young Farmers Coalition, an advocacy network that represents young farmers, has lobbied the USDA to add new categories of relief to make more funds available for small-scale producers, especially beginning farmers and farmers of color. Some of the markets don’t want us there and other markets are closed or are only open for a few hours. He says young farmers often struggle with student debt and often have no way to access land. ADEven as he’s struggled, Meza doesn’t think the pandemic has been universally bad for young farmers.

Source: Washington Post July 16, 2020 14:54 UTC