WESTFORD, Vt.—Emergency coronavirus relief funds are now available for maple producers, beginning Monday Aug. 17.

The $16 billion Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) administered by the USDA provides direct relief to producers who faced price declines and additional marketing costs due to COVID-19.

Nearly 60 additional commodities were announced by the USDA on August 11, including the addition of what the USDA has classified in their wording as “maple sap (for maple syrup).”

Allison Hope of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association said last week she is seeking clarification on the odd wording.

“I reached out to Vermont’s USDA contact, Wendy Wilton for clarification on this addition,” Hope said.

The application process for maple producers opens on August 17.

Sugarmakers will have until Sept. 11 to apply for the funding.

Maple producers are advised to check the USDA website or call a local Farm Service Agency Office to see how to apply.

“CFAP is just one of the many ways USDA is helping producers weather the impacts of the pandemic," said USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, who toured Georgia Mountain Maples in Milton, Vt. last year.