In a major win for the industry’s flower growers — and the retailers, wholesalers and suppliers who depend on them — the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced new guidelines making nursery crop and cut flower farms eligible for financial aid from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The news marks the first time USDA has ever provided such direct assistance to the floral industry and is a direct result of a robust advocacy campaign initiated this spring in Washington, D.C., led by the Society of American Florists and a coalition of other industry trade associations.

“SAF worked hard, in conjunction with other industry groups, to make sure floriculture was included in USDA aid packages given the severe impact of COVID-19 on growers,” said Joe Bischoff, SAF’s senior lobbyist.

CFAP payments for nursery crops and cut flowers will be based on a percentage of the producer’s wholesale value of inventory. Payments will be the sum of CARES Act payments and CCC payments as follows:

1. CARES Act Payments: For nursery crop and cut flower inventory that was shipped but subsequently spoiled or is unpaid due to loss of marketing channels between January 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020, the wholesale value of the inventory that was shipped that spoiled or is unpaid, multiplied by 15.55 percent; and
2. CCC Payments: For nursery crop and cut flower inventory that did not leave the farm between January 15, 2020, and April 15, 2020, due to a complete loss of marketing channel, the wholesale value of the inventory ready for sale that did not leave the farm by April 15, 2020, and that will not be sold due to lack of markets, multiplied by 13.45 percent.

Nursery crop and cut flower inventory that may be sold after April 15, 2020, is not eligible for CFAP.

“While the payment formula does not, of course, make up for the full extent of the losses the industry has suffered, it is a start,” said Bischoff. “It’s important to note that at various points in the process, payment rates in the range of 5-6 percent were discussed, rather than the 13-15 percent, where the rates ended up. And SAF fully anticipates that floriculture will be included in CFAP 2.0, currently being developed by the USDA.”

Nursery crop and cut flower producers can begin submitting CFAP applications the week of August 17. Farm Service Agency staff at local USDA Service Centers will work with producers to file CFAP applications.  Visit farmers.gov/cfap for additional information on the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, other eligible commodities, CFAP eligibility, payment limitations and structure, and how to apply.

As the industry continues to feel the economic impact of COVID, SAF will continue to advocate for federal aid for all segments of the industry, including for growers through CFAP 2.0 as it progresses in Congress and the USDA.

Katie Butler is the senior vice president of the Society of American Florists.