USDA Now Accepting Applications For Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, Seeks Comments On Additional Entities To Include

May 28, 2020

On May 26, 2020 the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), pursuant to a final rule issued on May 21, 2020, began accepting applications for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The program aims to provide financial relief to farmers and ranchers who have faced a five percent or greater price decline or who experienced losses due to market supply chain disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA outlines several eligible commodities including non-specialty crops, wool, livestock, dairy, and a limited number of specific specialty crops. Eligible producers may apply until August 28, 2020. In addition, USDA will accept public comments on the rule to hear from entities who feel they should be eligible to receive assistance but may not already be covered. Public comments will be accepted until June 22, 2020.

Read more about the program and how to apply here.
Read the rulemaking here and submit public comments here.
Advocacy contact: Prianka Sharma at (202) 205-6938.

Source : sba.gov

Video: Finding a Balance of Innovation and Regulation - Dr. Peter Facchini

Regulations help markets and industry exist on level playing fields, keeping consumers safe and innovation from going too far. However, incredibly strict regulations can stunt innovation and cause entire industries to wither away. Dr. Peter James Facchini brings his perspective on how existing regulations have slowed the advancement of medical developments within Canada. Given the international concern of opium poppy’s illicit potential, Health Canada must abide by this global policy. But with modern technology pushing the development of many pharmaceuticals to being grown via fermentation, is it time to reconsider the rules?

Dr. Peter James Facchini leads research into the metabolic biochemistry in opium poppy at the University of Calgary. For more than 30 years, his work has contributed to the increased availability of benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic genes to assist in the creation of morphine for pharmaceutical use. Dr. Facchini completed his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto before completing Postdoctoral Fellowships in Biochemistry at the University of Kentucky in 1992 & Université de Montréal in 1995.