The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food reminds farmers and ranchers of the new grant program in coordination with the state and federal COVID-19 relief efforts. The deadline for the CARES Act grants has been extended until January 1, 2021. A number of grants have been distributed, but there remains money to be awarded. One common challenge previous applicants have seen is being able to show actual damages, rather than projected ones. UDAF Field Staff are able to help walk farmers and ranchers through the applications process.
As you may know, both the CARES Act and SB 3006 were recently adopted into law to provide some relief to Utah agricultural producers who are suffering losses due to national and state efforts to mitigate the potential and actual financial harm from the COVID 19 pandemic. Immediate economic relief is available in the form of one-time grants (up to $40,000 per agricultural operation). The grants are funded by pass-through federal funds under the CARES Act, there is no fee to apply and unlike loans, these grants do not require repayment.
In order to apply for a grant, please download an application and submit completed application – (instructions below). Remember, this is for operations within food and fiber production that have suffered financial loss due to Covid19. If you have questions or concerns regarding this program after reviewing the available materials, please reach out to UDAF field staff to help you with further information, a list of staff is provided in the application document. UDAF conservation field staff have been trained to assist with these grants in completing your application. However, because of the high volume of anticipated applications and the current restrictions in place, please allow the Department 24-48 hours to respond.
Applicants must submit:
1. Click here to download the application (3 pages + documentation) – including detailed explanation for how the operation has been financially impacted due to Covid19 and accurate financial accounting on Expense and Income Statement. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
2. Click here to download the Federal W9 Form. This MUST be signed and attached to the application.
3. Submit all documents to UDAF-Loans@utah.gov before the extended deadline of January 1, 2021 by 5:00pm MST
If assistance is needed please contact UDAF at (801) 982-2200.
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