Paycheck Protection Program
An additional $321 billion was allocated for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in the most recent Coronavirus response package signed by President Trump on Friday, April 24. The PPP is a guaranteed loan program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The purpose of the program is to support small businesses and help support their payroll during the COVID19 situation. The program recently ran out of funds, however with today’s signed package, the application window will likely be reopened soon. To find additional information on the PPP, please go to the SBA’s website.
USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
On April 17, the USDA announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The $19 billion program will take several actions to assist farmers, rancher and consumers in response to COVID19. The program includes two major elements – direct support to farmers and ranchers, which will provide $16 billion in direct support based on actual losses for agricultural producers, and USDA purchase and distribution where the USDA will partner with regional and local distributors to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat.
Governor Newsom’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery includes Almond Alliance President and CDFA Chairman
On April 17, Governor Newsom released his Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery (similar to what the President released last week at national level). He has named Co-Chairs Tom Steyer (former Presidential candidate) and his Chief of Staff Ann O’Leary. Also, all four past Governors (Brown, Schwarzenegger, Davis, Wilson) are listed as honorary members. Most recent appointees include Elaine Trevino, Almond Alliance President and Don Cameron, Chairman of CDFA Board of Directors and GM of Teranova Ranch. You will find all appointees here.
COVID 19 Resource Pages for Growers
Almond Board of California COVID Resource Page found here
Almond Alliance COVID19 Resource Page can be found here