The Department of Agriculture Thursday announced the approval of more than $545 million in payments to farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, known as CFAP. The Farm Service Agency began taking applications on May 26, and the agency has received more than 86,000 applications. FSA has already made payments to more than 35,000 producers. Out of the gate, the top five states for CFAP payments are Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, Nebraska and South Dakota. FSA will accept applications through August 28, 2020. Through CFAP, USDA is making available $16 billion in financial assistance to farmers and ranchers who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19, and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says FSA has the resources to “complete applications as smoothly and efficiently as possible.” Producers can download the CFAP application and other eligibility forms from farmers.gov.