Business

Press release:

Following his continuous calls for reforms to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer today announced the unanimous Senate passage of the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act.

This bipartisan bill makes critical changes to PPP, including expanding the loan forgiveness period from eight to 24 weeks, allowing small businesses greater flexibility in the use of funds for non-payroll expenses like rent and utilities. It also sets a new rehiring deadline -- by the end of the year -- to allow small businesses to receive full forgiveness of their loan.

Schumer explained that these reforms were absolutely necessary because the impact of the coronavirus crisis is long lasting and requires a program that recognizes the realities faced by small businesses that have a long road ahead to full recovery.

“These changes to the PPP program provide desperately needed flexibility and relief to countless small businesses in Upstate New York,” Senator Schumer said. “We worked day and night to pressure and persuade senators on the other side of the aisle to urgently get this done, and not wait to provide relief.

"This deal gives small businesses a more discretion and a realistic timeline to deploy the assistance they received to bring back employees and keep the lights on.”

The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act is especially important for New York, Schumer explained, because New York State tends to have higher rent and utility costs compared to the rest of the country.

The senator also stressed that the bill would not solve every problem in PPP and that more must be done to promote access for rural and minority-owned businesses and nonprofits struggling to get the help they need.

Legislation like the HEROES Act, Schumer said, is still urgently needed to provide additional help not only for small businesses, but also for homeowners, renter, essential workers, medical facilities, local and state governments, and more.

The bill previously passed the House of Representatives 417-1 and following Senate passage was signed by President Trump last week.

Details on some of the main reforms in the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act are provided below:

First, the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act expands the loan forgiveness period from eight weeks to 24 weeks. Currently, workers may be brought back for the eight weeks, but then face a cliff after that short period and may be laid off again.

Second, the legislation removes the 25-percent restriction imposed by the Trump administration on the use of loans for fixed costs, like rent, mortgage, and utilities, and replaces it with a new 60-40 payroll to non-payroll breakdown in the use of the loan, allowing more flexibility for helping small businesses and nonprofits with all expenses to survive this crisis, which is essential to the long-term employment prospect of the workers.

Third, the proposal makes Dec. 31st the deadline to rehire workers in order to get full forgiveness on the loan, a more realistic timeline given the expected length of this public health and economic crisis.

Fourth, the proposal extends the terms of the loan from two years to at least five years for any part of the loan that is not forgiven, helping to ensure small businesses and nonprofits are not saddled with quick repayment while recovering from this crisis.

Vic Marchese, owner of Main St. Pizza Company on East Main Street, Batavia, works on a "Black Lives Matter" sign on boards he had placed over a large window on the outside of his restaurant.

Marchese said he doesn't believe anybody locally would harm his business and he doubts agitators from outside our community will come to Batavia for tomorrow's protest, but the window he covered was custom made for his shop and was very expensive. He thought it best to be prepared if there is trouble following the protest.

Main St. Pizza is one of about a dozen businesses in Batavia that decided to board up their windows and doors for Sunday.

The protest gathering begins at City Hall at 8 a.m. The march from City Hall to the Batavia PD headquarters is scheduled for 11 a.m.

In a bankruptcy filing, JCPenney has announced its closing 30 percent of its 856 stores, including its Batavia location.

The company, which has been struggling financially for years, filed bankruptcy in Federal Court on May 15.

The stores that are closing -- which presumably include the Batavia store -- will hold liquidation sales once pandemic-related regulations are lifted.

Other stores closing in New York:

• Auburn: Clark Street Road
• Oswego: State Route 104
• New Hartford: Sangertown Square
• Rome: Erie Boulevard West
• Canandaigua: State Route 364
• Syracuse: Destiny USA Drive

For more: USA Today.

This is a FREE listing of locally owned businesses that are operating but providing goods and services either by pickup, delivery, virtually, or limited on-site access.

Businesses (no need to be a current sponsor of The Batavian) that would like to be listed, email:   howard@thebatavian.com   or   billie@thebatavian.com

***************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, free pickup and delivery for repairs and purchases. Free delivery of any toy, puzzle, game, model, or "anything you need from going stir-crazy" in any part of Genesee County. Special arrangements are possible outside of Genesee County. Call (585) 343-0548

Applied Business Systems, Mailing and print services continue. No walk-ins. For service email: cs@absmail.com or call (585) 343-0962

Batavia Restaurant Supply, 301 W. Main St., Batavia, is open to the PUBLIC Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Walk-ins, delivery or curbside pick up. (585) 343-2139

Delre's Greenhouse & Garden Centre​, 4062 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. Delivery available. Online. (716) 359-0663

Empire Hemp Co. LLC, 34 Swan St., Suite 4, Batavia. www.empirehempco.com. (888) 895-9032

Foxprowl Collectables, Open and ready to serve, Monday - Saturday 12 pm - 4 pm. 440 Ellicott St., Batavia. (585) 250-0897. Click here for more info. 

Genesee Data Management -- The Arc Genesee Orleans, offering secure document destruction for businesses. To discuss solutions for your document management problems, email Paul Sasnowski, director of Business Services, at:   psaskowski@geneseearc.orgor call (585) 343-4203.

Gerace Realty, offering virtual tours and electronic signatures. (585) 343-8434

Glassroots, Batavia, curbside pickup available by appointment. Call (585) 409-5405, visit online here, or on Instagram @glassrootsny

Hodgins Printing / John's Studio, 56 Harvester Ave., Batavia. Hours 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. mail@johnsstudio.com, (585) 345-1030

Legacy Insurance, self-employed agent, Stafford. Medicare/Life Insurance/Financial Education. Available via phone & Web for questions, information, life insurance quotes, policy applications and enrollments with remote signatures. Call Diana M. Wagner at (585) 409-1041.

Lambert's Design Jewelers, 375 W. Main St., Batavia. Free shipping! Shop online. Email: ldj@2ki.net with questions regarding orders or repairs. Storefront currently closed until further notice.

Major Stash Cigar, 60 Liberty St., Batavia. Owner Doug Palmer is doing porch pickups, or U.S. Postal Service mailings if you prefer or are not in the Batavia area. Email him at MajorStash.Cigar@gmail.com

Mancuso Commercial Realty, doing business online and over the phone at this time. Email: tony@mancusorealty.com. Fax (585) 343 5550. (585) 343 5257

Mancuso Real Estate, contact Mike Sisson. (585) 345-1000

Marathon Insurance & Realty, "Marathon" Mike Lullo can assist in your real estate and insurance needs. (585) 343-8609 or mir@rochester.rr.com

Pudgie's Lawn and Garden Center, 3644 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. Offering delivery & curbside pick up. Live sales on Facebook M/W/F @ 11 a.m. Also "Mommy and Me" online classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. (585) 343-8352

Reliant Realty, email Lynn Bezon at:   lynn@lynnbezon.com  or call her directly at (585) 746-6253

Valle Jewelers, Shop online. Store front currently open 10am - 5pm. Free shipping on purchases & gift cards.

Vintage Batavia, offering live stream Friday night at 6:30, shop through our Facebook page. Order Friday night for pick up / curbside on Saturday.

Quality Inn & Suites / Palm Island Indoor Waterpark, 8250 Park Road, Batavia. Their new temporary phone number is (585) 344-0616

Whole Life Fitness, (585) 813-2369

Photo by Jim Burns.

Information from Guglielmo Sauce:

ROCHESTER — Paul Guglielmo, founder and CEO of Guglielmo Sauce, purchased food manufacturing facility Permac Enterprises Inc. located in Bergen in Genesee County.

The transaction took place in early May, 2020. Permac is one of only six USDA cannery manufacturing plants in New York State and specializes in taking recipes from individuals, restaurants or food production brands, and adjusting it for large production.

Customers range from marinara sauces to hot sauces and BBQ sauces to salsas for brands across the region. It’s the exclusive production facility for Guglielmo Sauce, Coach Tony’s, Uncle Ralph’s, Red Osier and several other high-profile food brands. 

As CEO, Guglielmo will manage all operations, marketing, production, sales and business strategy and growth for the organization, and will continue his role as CEO of Guglielmo Sauce.

The first major change under Guglielmo’s leadership: a new 5,000-square-foot manufacturing facility (building) located on Appletree Avenue in Bergen.

For the past 15 years, Permac has been housed in a former pizza shop. The Permac team has moved all production and business operations to the new facility and work will begin there effective today (June 4). 

Guglielmo’s goal is to double sales in the first year. This afternoon Guglielmo told The Batavian that he hopes to grow and be able to hire additional staff. For now, staffing consists of himself, two full-time employees and one part-time employee.

Today, Permac uses two 35-gallon kettles to produce its customers' products. In time, he plans on adding equipment and doubling production efforts. Additionally, he plans on rebranding the manufacturing facility this summer. 

“I’m living out my dream,” said 37-year old Guglielmo. “I started Guglielmo Sauce in 2014 and it grew beyond what I ever could’ve imagined. Today I own a well-respected, well-oiled manufacturing facility; the one that helped me start Guglielmo Sauce on Day 1. Permac was my first partner.

"This team is a group of some of the hardest working partners and I’m excited for the opportunity to lead our team, grow this manufacturing facility, and turn out great products for stores and customers across the markets we serve.” 

Permac was founded in 2004 by Tony Perry, who sold the business to Guglielmo. He’s on a three-month transition contract with Guglielmo.

Guglielmo founded his small business, based in the Greater Rochester region, called Guglielmo Sauce, a line of 15+ marinara sauces. The product is available in more than 500 stores, including Wegmans, some Tops locations, and Whole Foods.

All production of Guglielmo Sauces started at Permac, until volume of production became too large. However, the first client Guglielmo is adding to Permac’s book-of-business is his own Guglielmo Sauce. 

He grew up in Northeast Ohio and lives in Brighton with his wife and son.

From the Batavia office of Merrill Lynch:

Given today’s health concerns and restrictions related to large gatherings as well as the economic challenges faced by many businesses and individuals, we feel it’s in the best interests of all to cancel the GLOW Corporate Cup for 2020.

We thank you for your understanding and very much appreciate all of your support over the first seven years of what has turned into a terrific community event.

We did consider a virtual format for this year, as some other long-standing races have done, but felt that the uniqueness of our event’s AfterGLOW celebration could never be virtualized.

Our plan is to make the event even bigger and better for 2021…and we hope you will help us make that happen.

Merrill Lynch will still be making a donation to the GLOW YMCA during this year of heightened need. We invite our past sponsors and participants to join us in that effort as all gifts this year will help send a child to camp.

The GLOW YMCA recognizes the growing need for financial assistance and they do not want any child to miss out on this year‘s educational and fun-filled summer.

A variety of upgrades to this year‘s camp program will make it unlike any other, especially because campers will all participate in a hands-on STEAM* project to prevent summer learning loss!

To make a donation, click here.

Congratulations to you if you have been training for the GLOW Corporate Cup and we encourage you to keep it up.We all know how regular exercise helps us mentally just as much as it does physically.

Again, thank you for your continued support -- we hope all of you and your families enjoy a safe and healthy summer.

* STEAM: Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics

File photo from the 2016 GLOW Corporate Cup, when they had 1,000 participants in the race.

Press release:

WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already approved more than $545 million in payments to producers who have applied for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.

FSA began taking applications May 26, and the agency has received over 86,000 applications for this important relief program.

In the first six days of the application period, FSA has already made payments to more than 35,000 producers. Out of the gate, the top five states for CFAP payments are Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and South Dakota. USDA has released data on application progress and program payments and will release further updates each Monday at 2 p.m. ET. The report can be viewed here.

FSA will accept applications through Aug. 28. Through CFAP, USDA is making available $16 billion in financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a 5-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.

In order to do this, producers will receive 80 percent of their maximum total payment upon approval of the application. The remaining portion of the payment, not to exceed the payment limit, will be paid at a later date nationwide, as funds remain available.

Getting Help from FSA

New customers seeking one-on-one support with the CFAP application process can call (877) 508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer general assistance. This is a recommended first step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center.

Producers can download the CFAP application and other eligibility forms on this website. Also, on that webpage, producers can find a payment calculator to help producers identify sales and inventory records needed to apply and calculate potential payments.

Producers self-certify their records when applying for CFAP and that documentation is not submitted with the application. However, producers may be asked for their documentation to support the certification of eligible commodities, so producers should retain the information used to complete their application.

Those who use the online calculator tool will be able to print a pre-filled CFAP application, sign it, and submit it to your local FSA office either electronically or via hand delivery through an office drop box. Please contact your local office to determine the preferred delivery method for your local office. Team members at FSA county offices will be able to answer detailed questions and help producers apply quickly and efficiently through phone and online tools. Find contact information for your local office at farmers.gov/cfap.

Policy Clarifications

FSA has been working with stakeholder groups to provide further clarification to producers on the CFAP program. For example, the agency has published a matrix of common marketing contracts that impact eligibility for non-specialty crops and has provided a table that crosswalks common livestock terms to CFAP cattle categories. Updated information can be found in the frequently asked questions section of the CFAP website.

More Information

USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only; call (877) 508-8364. Field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible.

All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found here.

The state has mandated all but essential services close down during the current state of emergency to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Click here for a list of what the state has defined as essential services.

We will include any locally owned business whether a sponsor or not at no charge. If your business is not included, please email:   howard@thebatavian.com

Periodically, we'll move this post back to the top of the home page with updates.

This listing is FREE to all locally owned businesses in Genesee County.

Auto Service

Batavia Automotive, 50 Liberty St., Batavia. (585) 344-7171

Batavia Starter, 282 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. (585) 343-3805

Castilone Chrysler Dodge Jeep (service; sales by appointment only), 306 W. Main St., Batavia. (585) 343-1780

Chesley's Auto and Tire Service, 562 E. Main St., Batavia. (585) 343-8691

Crazy Cheap Cars (service; sales by appointment only), 8 Main St., Oakfield. (585) 948-8000

Dan's Tire & Auto Service Center, 48 Batavia City Centre. (585) 343-7210

Dickinson's Auto, 4028 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. (585) 343-9800

Empire Tractor, 5072 E. Main St., Batavia. (585) 343-1822

Falleti Motors, service, and sales by appointment -- browse inventory online, 504 Ellicott St., Batavia. (585) 343-2247

Freightliner & Western Star of Batavia, 8190 State Street Road, Batavia. Heavy-duty trucking service & parts, deliveries. (585) 524-2100

Genesee Auto Body, 659 Ellicott St., Batavia. (585) 345-0432

John's Service Station, 187 Pearl St., Batavia. (585) 343-0535

Johnson Automotive, 4003 W. Main St., Batavia. (585) 343-6891

Ken Barrett Chevrolet, service / collision / parts / sales by appointment only, 229 W. Main St., Batavia. (585) 300-4966

L&L Transmission, 8781 Alexander Road, Batavia. (585) 343-1735

Parmenter Tire & Auto, 4531 W. Saile Drive, Batavia. (585) 343-0544

Pellegrino Auto Sales, full service and sales, 4060 Pearl St., Batavia. (585) 344-2658

Select Collision, 5273 Clinton Street Road, Batavia. (585) 344-4945

Sheelar Automotive Repair, 149 Pearl St., Batavia. Open for business. (585) 344-2484

Sloat Tire Shop, 5257 Clinton Street Road, Batavia. (585) 343-7730

Stan's Harley-Davidson, 4425 W. Saile Drive, Batavia. Full service, showroom open. (585) 343-9598

Stella Collision, 8375 E. Main St., Le Roy. (585) 768-7370

Thompson Motors (service; sales by appointment only), 11263 Route 98, Attica. (585) 591-4310

Toyota of Batavia (service; sales by appointment only), 3899 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. (585) 344-4141

Zirbel's Automotive, 149 Hutchins St., Batavia. (585) 343-6101

Child Care

Batavia Computer Center, 563 E. Main St., Batavia, Open Monday - Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (585) 343-2070

Marchese Computers, open by appointment. (585) 343-2713

Millennium Computers, (585) 343-3310

Construction, Electric, Home Repair & Maintenance, Plumbing, Refrigeration

A.D. Call & Sons Excavation and Trucking Inc., Stafford. (FAX) (585) 343-8147. (585) 343-2910

Arctic Refrigeration of Batavia, 26 Cedar St., Emergencies 24/7: for commercial, food service, agricultural storage; also, residential parts/service. Website. (585) 343-2678

Batavia Garage Door, (585) 344-4405

Bill Fox & Son Construction, (585) 356-4992

Ben's Appliance & Kitchens, (585) 343-7033

Brownell Sealing and Contracting, 7968 Lewiston Road, Batavia. Facebook page. (716) 474-5732

Cassidy’s Locksmithing, (585) 755-1237

Cedar Street Sales & Rental, 111 Cedar St., Batavia. Open for rentals / repairs. Retail online only. (585) 343-4899

Country Line Electric, Batavia, electric equipment, supplies. (585) 343-3448

Deep Blue Pool & Spa, (585) 343-7665

Denny's Pool World, 515 E. Main St., Batavia. (585) 343-8222

Diegelman's Plumbing, 4995 Ellicott Street Road, Batavia. (585) 356-3438

Empire Tractor, 5072 E. Main St., Batavia. Repair shop open. Curbside pickup or delivery of parts. Equipment shown upon request. New equipment delivery. (585) 343-1822

Erie East Windows and Doors, (585) 757-2768

Fava Brothers Lawn Care, (585) 260-8391

Falcone Electric, (585) 343-2018

Genesee Lumber Co., Batavia, now open Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Saturdays 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. See updates here. (585) 343-0777

Genesee Country Residential Services. Home repairs, construction services. Weekdays 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (585) 345-0076

Genesee Plumbing, (585) 343-3805

Henry H. Cook, (585) 345-0915

Holland High Lift, 10033 East Road, East Bethany. (585) 343-9961

Humphrey's Electric & Security, (585) 721-3088

I.D. Booth Inc., 60 Liberty St., Batavia. Plumbing, heating, electrical products for trade professionals, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. (585) 343-4500

Kevin Bezon Enterprises, (585) 746-0246

Kreative Design Kitchen & Bath (Showroom open for construction projects only). (585) 345-0012

McCabe Enterprises Electrical Contractor, (585) 762-9347

Napoleone Plumbing and Carpentry, (585) 409-9961

New Look Windows LLC, 3245 Broadway Road, Alexander. (585) 547-3679

Northside Saw & Tool, 641 E. Main St., Batavia. (585) 219-4735

Precision Lawn Care, (585) 993-5296

Pro Seal & Paving, (585) 356-8689

R.A. Haitz Company, (585) 343-2400

Rickety Rich Home Repair / Construction, (585) 813-7071

RJN Electrical Services, (585) 343-6700

Sallome Heating & Cooling, (585) 343-8236

Seaman's Hardware, 2602 Main Street Road, East Pembroke. (585) 762-9211

Terance Cranston Construction, (585) 305-4254

Toal's Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, commercial and residential, (585) 344-3839

Tri County Glass, (585) 343-0277

Tri-County Safe & Lock, (585) 305-3835

Turnbull Heating & Air Conditioning, (585) 209-0305

Valu Home Center, 4152 W. Main St.. Batavia. Curbside pick up available. (585) 344-1300

Viele Construction, (585) 343-2356

Waters Plumbing Heating and Electrical, (585) 762-8687

WTS Plumbing, (585) 993-1697

Yasses Construction, (585) 548-5014

Elder Care

Johnson's Elderly Care, (585) 548-3206

St. Ann's Community, (585) 768-2740

Finance & Insurance

Allstate Insurance Agency, H. Michael Roth, 106 W. Main St., Batavia. FAX (585) 344-3542. Phone (585) 344-3514

Insurance Center, (585) 343-2282

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, 419 W. Main St., Batavia. (716) 864-0715

Lawley Insurance, 20 Jefferson Square, Batavia. (585) 344-0300

Le Roy Federal Credit Union, 7093 W. Main Road, Le Roy. (585) 768-7207

Marathon Insurance, (585) 343-8609

Mark Lewis -- State Farm Insurance, (585) 343-4959

Mathis Agency with Nationwide Insurance, (585) 768-4810

RB Adams Agency/ The Northwoods Corporation, 539 E. Main St., Batavia, (585) 343-0046

Stephen M. Hawley & Associates -- The Insurance Center, 50 Main St., Batavia. Office closed, reduced staff; can take payments in envelope if can't pay online. M-F, 9 to 5. (585) 343-2282

Tompkins Bank of Castle (various locations), (585) 344-2898

Tompkins Insurance Agencies, 1-888-261-2688

Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union, 10 Jefferson Square, Batavia. (585) 343-5627

Funeral Homes

Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, (585) 343-5679

Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, (585) 948-5325

Cameron, Brady & Steuber Funeral Home, (585) 768-6800

C.B. Beach & Son Mortuary, (585) 599-4520

Falcone Family Funeral, (585) 768-2400

Gilmartin Funeral Home, (585) 343-8260

H.E. Turner & Co, (585) 343-8868

J. Leonard McAndrew Funeral Home, (585) 343-6158

Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, (585) 343-7500

Garbage Collection & Recycling

Arc Collection Services-- Curbside and Dumpster. (585) 343-4203

Arc Transfer Station & Redemption Center, 3785 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. Monday/Friday/Saturday -- 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesdays 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Customers remain in cars. (585) 343-4203

Haul-4-Less, (585) 813-7007

McNickel's Bottle and Can Redemption, 220 Ellicott St., Batavia. (585) 344-8652

Mickel’s Nickels Redemption, 80 Lake St., Le Roy. (585) 768-9610

Medical & Dental

Batavia Chiropractic Health Center -- Dr. Michael DeAngelo, 154 Pearl St., Batavia. (585) 343-4862

Batavia Foot Care Center, 3922 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. (585) 344-1677

Dr. Joseph Canzoneri, 2 State St., Batavia. (585) 343-8150

GCASA -- Genesee/Orleans Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, (585) 343-1124

Genesee Dental, 37 Batavia City Centre, Batavia. Emergencies only. Dental staff phone hours 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. (585) 343-1113

Independent Living of the Genesee Region, 319 W. Main St., Batavia, assistance for the disabled, 8:30 to 5 weekdays. (585) 815-8501, ext. 400

Michael A. Kubiniec, DDS, 180 Washington Ave., Batavia. (585) 343-5865. Full services open.

Licata Chiropractic and Wellness Center, 542 E. Main St., Batavia. (585) 343-5311

Mazurkiewicz Family Chiropractic, PC, 184 Washington Ave., Batavia. (585) 343-9316

Oatka Family Medicine, 5762 E. Main St., Batavia. (585) 201-7055

Patronus Counseling -- Jennifer Geib, LCSW-R. Video/phone mental health sessions Monday-Friday evenings. (585) 483-0544

Pediatric Associates of Batavia (Dr. Idrees and Dr. Shahid), 43 Batavia City Centre, Suite A. (585) 343-7117

Pembroke Family Medicine, offices open in Alexander, Corfu and Batavia. Website. (585) 599-6446

Rochester Regional Health --

• Batavia Internal Medicine, 229 Summit St., Batavia. (585) 343-4440
• Batavia Primary Care, 16 Bank St., Batavia. (585) 815-6760
• Bergen Family Medicine, 6966 W. Bergen Road, Bergen. (585) 494-1300
• Community Pharmacy, 127 North St., Batavia. (585) 815-6736
• Dermatology, 229 Summit St., Batavia. (585) 815-6735
• Genesee Orthopaedics, 33 Chandler Ave., Batavia, (585) 344-9676
• Hope Haven Chemical Dependency Services, 16 Bank St., Batavia. (585) 344-5396
• Imaging – Jerome Center, 16 Bank St., Batavia. (585) 344-5444
• Lab – Jerome Center, 16 Bank St., Batavia. (585) 247-3500
• Le Roy Primary Care, 3 Tountas Ave., Le Roy. (585) 768-6530
• Lipson Cancer Institute, 127 North St., Batavia. (585) 344-5252
• Oakfield Family Medicine, 41 Main St., Oakfield. (585) 948-8077
• Occupational Medicine -- Jerome Center, 16 Bank St., Batavia. (585) 815-6780
• Pain Center, 229 Summit St., Batavia. (585) 815-6710
• Physical & Occupational Therapy, 99 MedTech Drive, Batavia. (585) 201-7080
• Sands Constellation Heart Institute, 229 Summit St., Batavia. (585) 442-5320
• Surgical Associates, 229 Summit St., Batavia. (585) 344-5470
• Urgent Care, 16 Bank St., Batavia. (585) 815-6715
• United Memorial Medical Center/Rochester Regional Health, 127 North St., Batavia. (585) 343-6030
• Women’s Care, 33 Chandler Ave., Batavia. (585) 344-4700
• Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine, 127 North St., Batavia. (585) 344-5372

Sleep Insights, of Batavia, for suspected sleep apnea, sleep disorders: telemedicine, in-home testing, CPAP supply delivery. Online. (585) 219-4330

Thomas C. Farrugia, DDS PLLC, 219 Washington Ave., Batavia. Dental emergencies only. (585) 343-7028

True Wellness of WNY, wellness products, virtual client visits, free phone consultations, curbside pick up, Batavia deliveries. (585) 813-4658

Village Physical Therapy, Batavia and Le Roy locations for PT; Le Roy gym is closed; telehealth encouraged. (585) 343-9496, (585) 768-4550

Pets & Livestock

Attica Veterinary Associates, P.C. Lab, located in Genesee County, serving WNY, large animal practice. FAX (585) 591-2898 / Phone (585) 591-2660

Beds-N-Bones Pet Lodge, 8870 Wortendyke Road, Batavia. Website. Email: bedsnbones@rochester.rr.com / FAX (585) 343-5866 / Phone (585) 343-8544

Genesee Feeds, 3860 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. (585) 344-3231

Genesee Valley Farm & Pet Cremation, 3520 S. Main Street Road, Batavia. (585) 343-5878

Perry Veterinary Clinic, 3699 W. Main Street Road, Batavia. Pet clinic hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Call for appointment; then call clinic from parking lot once you arrive. (585) 343-4046

State Street Animal Hospital, 7950 State Street Road, Batavia. (585) 344-4974

Additional Businesses

49 Express Pit Stop, 409 Bloomingdale Road, Tonawanda Seneca Nation, Basom. (716) 542-1073

Batavia Country Club, 7909 Batavia Byron Rd, Batavia. (585) 343-7600. Book your tee times online and prepay, click here. Friday night take out menu available, 4 pm - 8 pm. Outdoor seating only. 

Golden Coin Laundry and Dry Cleaners, 582 E. Main St., Batavia. New service - Shoe repairs! Alterations/specialized cleaning/mat rentals. Visit online. (585) 344-0040

Neighborhood Legal Services Inc., 45 Main St., Batavia, a free nonprofit law firm paid through a NYS Health grant to assist clients in enrolling in a health insurance plan through the Marketplace. Office closed, phone assistance only. April V. Anawald, paralegal, certified navigator:   aanawald@nls.org. (585) 343-5450

RJ's Washroom, 200 Ellicott St., Batavia. Laundromat and wash & fold services. (585) 344-8652

Food & Beverage

(Click here for our list of locally owned restaurant and food-related businesses with service.)

(Above, file photo from 2014 of certified local dog trainer Tori Ganino with a four-legged client.)

COVID-19 has forced Batavia-based dog trainer Tori Ganino to permanently close her facility, Calling All Dogs, at 8 Wade Ave. in the city.

As a result, she can no longer provide daycare or group classes. But she wants everyone to know that she will continue to offer private lessions in people's homes and virtually online.

Ganino has a bachelor's degree in psychology from SUNY Brockport and is a Certified Dog Behavior Specialist and has CPDT-KA certification from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

The certification process includes more than 400 hours of coursework, 500 hours of work with clients, and a 12-part essay-based exam. Certification also requires ongoing training and keeping abreast of the latest research-based behavior and training techniques. She is also an International Companion Animal Network Member.

If you are have a new puppy or want some guidance about your dog's behavior, you can schedule a free 30-minute phone consulation by phoning (585) 455-5387 or emailing her: callingalldogsny@gmail.com

Ganino specializes in helping frustrated owners whose dogs bark, lunge and cower to gain control over the chaos. Using science-based force-free training, she helps owners transform their exuberant dogs into well-mannered companions.

Her featured programs include:

• Reactive Dog Program -- Designed for dogs that bark, lunge, and bite. Owners learn skills needed to teach their dog how to behave happily.
• Well-mannered Companion Program -- Learn how to transform your exuberant dog into a calmer and more suitable companion.

Her website also has helpful, informative posts such as: "Using Games to Calm Your Dog," "How to Break Up a Dog Fight," and in a world of punishment-based training and quick TV fixes, she offers this benevolent insight "I'm My Dogs' Caregiver, Not Their Alpha."

Clients praise her calm demeanor, skillfulness and professionalism in doing a job she clearly enjoys. They say she listens carefully, communicates effectively, follows through on details, and works tirelessly to craft a plan to achieve the best outcomes for dogs and their owners.

Previously:​

• LIVE: Interview with Tori Ganino, dog trainer
• Local dog behaviorist offers discounts for owners who turn in punishment collars
• Dog trainer becomes first animal behavior consultant in Genesee County
• Trainers specialize in training dogs with aggression issues​

Press release:

New York State has issued comprehensive guidance to help farms manage and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and New York Farm Bureau is asking farms across the state to review the information and put it to practice.

The guidance follows a letter NYFB President David Fisher wrote to Governor Cuomo in April asking for this assistance.

Farms have implemented a number of health and safety practices to protect their families and employees, but still had lacked comprehensive protocols from state officials that are specific to the unique aspects of agriculture.

The new guidance includes information for farmworkers, detailed cleaning protocols and a checklist for farms to follow.

“Planting season is underway and guest workers are arriving on farms," said David Fisher, New York Farm Bureau president. "If we are to farm and produce food in a safe and responsible manner, farmers need to understand how best to do that amid a pandemic.

"I would like to thank Governor Cuomo as well as the Commissioners of Agriculture and Markets, Health and Labor for the newly released guidance. Farm safety is extremely important, and we must do all that we can to inform our farms, protect our valuable employees, and prevent a potential spread of the virus. No place of business is immune from the virus, and I ask my fellow farmers to continue to be proactive in their efforts."

NYFB has emailed the guidance to its members as well as published the information on the COVID-19 page of its website.

Since the pandemic began, the organization has worked with its partners across agriculture to provide members with the resources they need in these times. In addition, NYFB and Cornell Cooperative Extension have been conducting outreach to county health departments across the state to assess preparedness and quarantine housing options should an outbreak occur on a farm.

NYFB has also established a farmworker relief database to connect farms with potential temporary employees should they be needed.

Links to the NYS documents in English are below. NYFB expects NYS to release similar versions in Spanish in the near future.

• Prevention Tips for Farmworkers  
• Interim Guidance for Prevention and Response on Farms 
• COVID-19 Farm Checklist

Press release:

Agricultural producers can now (May 26) apply for USDA's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which provides direct payments to offset impacts from coronavirus pandemic.

The application and a payment calculator are now available online, and USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff members are available via phone, fax and online tools to help producers complete applications. The agency set up a call center in order to simplify how they serve new customers acorss the nation.

“We know New York producers are facing a tough time now, and we are making every effort to provide much needed support as quickly as possible,” said Clark Putman, state executive director for FSA in New York. “FSA is available over the phone and virtually to walk you through the application process, whether it’s the first time you’ve worked with FSA, or if you know us quite well.” 

Applications will be accepted through Aug. 28.

Through CFAP, USDA is making available $16 billion for vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.

“We also want to remind producers that the program is structured to ensure the availability of funding for all eligible producers who apply,” Putman said. 

In order to do this, producers will receive 80 percent of their maximum total payment upon approval of the application. The remaining portion of the payment, not to exceed the payment limit, will be paid at a later date nationwide, as funds remain available.

Producers can download the CFAP application and other eligibility forms from farmers.gov/cfap. Also, on that webpage, producers can find a payment calculator to help identify sales and inventory records needed to apply and calculate potential payments.

Additionally, producers in search of one-on-one support with the CFAP application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance. This is a good first step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center.

Applying for Assistance

Producers of all eligible commodities will apply through their local FSA office. Those who use the online calculator tool will be able to print off a pre-filled CFAP application, sign, and submit to your local FSA office either electronically or via hand delivery. Please contact your local office to determine the preferred method.

Find contact information for your local office at farmers.gov/cfap.

Documentation to support the producer’s application and certification may be requested after the application is filed. FSA has streamlined the signup process to not require an acreage report at the time of application and a USDA farm number may not be immediately needed.

Additional Commodities

USDA is also establishing a process for the public to identify additional commodities for potential inclusion in CFAP. Specifically, USDA is looking for data on agricultural commodities, that are not currently eligible for CFAP, that the public believes to have either:

1. Suffered a 5 percent-or-greater price decline between mid-January and mid-April as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic;
2. Shipped but subsequently spoiled due to loss of marketing channel; 
3. Or not left the farm or remained unharvested as mature crops.

More information about this process is available on farmers.gov/cfap.

More Information

To find the latest information on CFAP, visit farmers.gov/cfap or call (877) 508-8364.

USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible.

All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

Press release:

U.S. Chrome Corp. of New York has been named one of the best finishing shops in North America, according to an industry benchmarking survey conducted by Products Finishing magazine, a trade publication covering the industry since 1938.

The Connecticut-based company has a plant at 31 Swan St. in Batavia.

The magazine conducted an extensive benchmarking survey that analyzed hundreds of finishing companies in several different areas, including Current Finishing Technology, Finishing Practices and Performances, Business Strategies and Performances, and Training and Human Resources.

Only the top 50 shops were given the honor of being a Products Finishing magazine "Top Shop" based on a scoring matrix in those four criteria.

“U.S. Chrome Corp. of New York has established itself as one of the best finishing operations in the industry,” said Tim Pennington, editor of Products Finishing magazine. “The criteria we used was very stringent, and only the top finishing shops that excelled in all four areas made the list.

"U.S. Chrome Corp. of New York is in rare air when it comes to finishing operations.”

U.S. Chrome Corp. offers Hard Chrome, Flash Chrome, Thin Dense Chrome, Future Chrome, Welding, and Polishing. They are Nadcap* Accredited for Chemical Processing and Aerospace Quality Systems (AC7004).

*(Formerly NADCAP, the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) It is a global cooperative accreditation program for aerospace engineering, defense and related industries.

Press release:

The City of Batavia reminds businesses to flush internal plumbing systems if your facility has been closed or unoccupied for several weeks prior to reopening.

Our public water system contains a residual chlorine disinfectant. As water in a building slows or stops, the water can become stale or stagnate, causing a loss in this residual which could lead to bacteria growth.

This can also cause taste, odor, and discolored water issues, and the potential of higher than normal levels of lead and copper. Keeping the water flushed and refreshed, is crucial in these situations to ensure clean, clear water. 

The City of Batavia Water Department is issuing this guidance to ensure the safety of the water and the health and welfare of our customers as facilities reopen. 

The Environmental protection Agency (EPA) has issued guidance for Maintaining or Restoring Water Quality in Buildings with little or no use, the link can be found here.

Or visit the City of Batavia website for that guidance.

For questions or assistance, you can contact the City of Batavia Water Department at (585) 345-6315, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The middle of an economic lockdown may not seem like the ideal time to open a new restaurant but when it's something you were planning and dreaming about before a global pandemic was announced, that's what you do as soon as you can.

Gilliana's Diner, on Jackson Street, in the former location of Sylvania's, opened yesterday.

"We're super excited," said Jill Antinore, who owns the new eatery with her husband Mark.

Jill said they purchased the restaurant Feb. 1 then the global health emergency hit and the County Health Department wasn't issuing health permits. They had to wait until the Health Department was able to give them the OK to open.

Opened for breakfast and lunch -- except on Friday when they offer a dinner menu -- Jill described the diner as "a breakfast place with Italian specialties."

Available for takeout now are typical breakfast items, such as bacon and eggs, and items such as "The Godfather," which is egg, provolone, Italian sausage, sweet or hot peppers; and "Italian eggs in Purgatory," which is two eggs poached in homemade tomato sauce, with cannellini beans, peppers and onions.

The lunch menu includes tripe, homemade meatballs, agrodolce, and parmesan chicken wings.

Hours are Sunday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Friday 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. The diner is closed on Wednesdays.

The phone number is (585) 201-7772.

Statement from Mindy Brashears, Ph.D., USDA undersecretary for Food Safety, and Frank Yiannas, FDA deputy commissioner for Food Policy and Response:

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As the COVID-19 pandemic response continues, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have been working around the clock on many fronts to support the U.S. food and agriculture sector so that Americans continue to have access to a safe and robust food supply.

As a next step in carrying out Executive Order 13917, the USDA and FDA today announced Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to help prevent interruptions at FDA-regulated food facilities, including fruit and vegetable processing.

This is an important preparedness effort as we are approaching peak harvesting seasons, when many fruits and vegetables grown across the U.S. are sent to be frozen or canned. The MOU creates a process for the two agencies to make determinations about circumstances in which the USDA could exercise its authority under the Defense Production Act (DPA) with regard to certain domestic food resource facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold foods, as well as to those that grow or harvest food that fall within the FDA’s jurisdiction.

While the FDA will continue to work with state and local regulators in a collaborative manner, further action under the DPA may be taken, should it be needed, to ensure the continuity of our food supply. As needed, the FDA will work in consultation with state, local, tribal and territorial regulatory and public health partners; industry or commodity sector; and other relevant stakeholders (e.g. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to chart a path toward resuming and/or maintaining operations while keeping employees safe.

We are extremely grateful to essential workers for everything they do every day to keep our pantries, refrigerators and freezers stocked. All of the food and agriculture sector -- whether it is regulated by the USDA or FDA -- are considered critical infrastructure, and it is vital for the public health that they continue to operate in accordance with guidelines from the CDC and OSHA regarding worker health and safety. As we work to get through the current challenge together, we remain committed to workers’ safety, as well as ensuring the availability of foods, and that our food remains among the safest in the world.

Additional Information

On April 28, 2020, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 13917, Delegating Authority Under the Defense Production Act with Respect to the Food Supply Chain Resources During the National Emergency Caused by the Outbreak of COVID-19, delegating the powers of the President under the DPA to the Secretary of Agriculture to ensure continuity of operations for our nation’s food supply chain.

The Executive Order gave the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to use the DPA if needed to require the fulfillment of contracts at food processing facilities. The MOU makes clear that the FDA will work with stakeholders to monitor the food supply for food resources not under the USDA’s exclusive jurisdiction in order to prevent interruptions at FDA-regulated food facilities.

This action is another in a series of proactive steps the USDA and FDA have taken to maximize food availability following unprecedented disruptions the COVID-19 pandemic has caused to food supply chains that have been established and refined for decades.

Supporting Industry and Protecting Frontline Workers

Our nation’s food and agriculture facilities and workers play an integral role in the continuity of our food supply chain.

The USDA and FDA have been working to ensure that frontline workers in food facilities and retailers that have remained on the job during this crisis have the information and resources they need for business continuity and to continue working safely, which includes mitigating the risk of spreading COVID-19. We continue to provide information and update frequently asked questions on both the FDA and USDA’s websites.

We will continue to work with facilities and farms, CDC, OSHA, and state, tribal, and local officials to ensure facilities and farms are implementing practices consistent with federal worker safety guidelines to keep employees safe and continue operations.

We are working with our federal partners who have the authority and expertise over worker safety to develop information on protecting worker health. We are also working with other federal partners to assist the food and agriculture industry in addressing shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), cloth face coverings, disinfectants and sanitation supplies.

Monitoring and Securing Human and Animal Food Supply Chains 24/7

Throughout the pandemic, the USDA and FDA have been closely monitoring the food supply chain for shortages in collaboration with industry and our federal and state partners. We are in regular contact with food manufacturers and grocery stores.

We have issued guidances to ensure regulatory flexibility to safely reroute food that typically would be bought in bulk by food facilities and restaurants, like eggs and flour, directly to consumer.

Food Safety Reminders for Every American

As we continue to respond to COVID-19, we want to remind consumers that there is no evidence that COVID-19 has been transmitted by food or food packaging, as well as the importance of taking precautionary food safety steps to protect against foodborne illness pathogens such as salmonella and E. coli.

With respect to the safety of food across the U.S., both the USDA and FDA continue to use their respective authorities, including conducting inspections, as appropriate. The agencies also continue to monitor foods for hazards, work with industry on any potential or reported issues in their facilities, and conduct food recalls when appropriate. This applies to both domestically produced food and food that is imported from other countries.

Unlike foodborne gastrointestinal (GI) viruses like norovirus and hepatitis A that often make people ill through contaminated food, foodborne exposure is not known to be a route of transmission for SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.

With respect to foodborne pathogens, the CDC, FDA and FSIS continue to work with state and local partners to investigate foodborne illness and outbreaks. During this coronavirus outbreak, we will continue to operate to prepare for, coordinate and carry out response activities to incidents of foodborne illness in both human and animal food.

Press release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County is pleased to partner with New York State Agriculture and Markets, CY Farms LLC and Genesee County Farm Bureau to provide New York State hand sanitizer at no cost to the Agriculture Community in Genesee County.

A second distribution will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27 at 4592 Barrville Road, Elba. The CY storage facility is near the corner of Bridge Road and Barrville Road.

If you were not able to attend our first distribution, we have a limited amount remaining.

Genesee County production farms of any type are encouraged to participate, along with farm stands, CSAs, greenhouses and u-pick operations. The goal is to support safe and healthy workplace practices to keep our agriculture workforce strong during the coronavirus pandemic.

Farms interested in picking up hand sanitizer should complete the online registration.

Include farm contact information, requested quantity and time slot for pick up (to limit wait times and traffic). We have a limited amount left.  Registration will be open until it is all reserved or until 5 p.m. on May 26.

Supplies are limited. Quantities may be adjusted before pick-up to ensure adequate supplies are available to as many farms as possible. The liquid hand sanitizer is available by the case -- 4 gallons to a case (with a pump). This is a liquid, not a gel.

For ease of use, businesses may decide to purchase small spray bottles for daily use and refill them from the gallon jug. A small number of the 2-ounce bottles will also be available.

The suggested guidelines for each farm are:

• 1-6 employees: 1 case
• 7-15 employees: 2 cases
• 15 plus: 3 – 4 cases

Details for picking up: stay in your vehicle and wait for a staff member to direct you to the pick-up area. Whoever is picking up the sanitizer for your farm will need to wear their own face covering if they get out of the vehicle. Please maintain social distancing when picking up. Staff will need to collect some information from you before you can pick up the sanitizer.

Please note that this is a 75-percent alcohol-based liquid-gel. It is highly flammable. Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking around it. It is not drinkable.

This program is available only for farm owners to distribute to themselves and their employees. This effort has been made available through NYS Dept. of Ag and Markets as a result of the COVID – 19 pandemic.

Thank you to CY Farms for generously assisting in transporting the hand sanitizer and for providing a distribution spot.

Contact CCE Genesee at 585-343-3040, ext. 101. Please leave a message as staff is working remotely and will not be in the office.

Press release:

New York Farm Bureau is launching a new system to connect farms in need of labor during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this time of uncertainty, farms may temporarily be down some employees who may have to quarantine due to the virus or to take care of a sick family member. This could potentially create issues on the farm, especially when livestock need to be cared for or during a critical time of the growing season.

In turn, there is now an online database for farmers to turn to and for people who may be looking for additional, temporary agricultural work, perhaps someone who is in need of employment, may be retired from farm labor, or would like to add additional hours.

Anyone who is interested and willing to work on a farm is encouraged to submit their information to the new database to potentially be matched up with a farm in need in their area. Click here to view the database.

New York Farm Bureau hopes this will serve as a resource for its members to have needed staff on hand throughout this pandemic while also providing an opportunity for job seekers. It will be up to the individual farm to appropriately screen and hire any potential employees.

In addition, New York Farm Bureau is still making its COVID-19 resource page on its website, www.nyfb,org, open to all farms regardless of membership, to provide the latest information and guidance to all of agriculture in these difficult times. 

New York Farm Bureau is encouraging all farms to continue to take this pandemic seriously, follow all of the recommended safety guidance and protocols, and have a plan in place to mitigate the spread, both in the workplace and in farmworker housing should it be provided.

Protecting farmworkers and fellow family members is a priority for the agricultural community.

Press release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today (May 19) announced details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition to this direct support to farmers and ranchers, USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box program is partnering with regional and local distributors, whose workforces have been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat and deliver boxes to Americans in need.

“America’s farming community is facing an unprecedented situation as our nation tackles the coronavirus," Secretary Perdue said. "President Trump has authorized USDA to ensure our patriotic farmers, ranchers, and producers are supported and we are moving quickly to open applications to get payments out the door and into the pockets of farmers.

“These payments will help keep farmers afloat while market demand returns as our nation reopens and recovers. America’s farmers are resilient and will get through this challenge just like they always do with faith, hard work, and determination.”

Beginning May 26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), will be accepting applications from agricultural producers who have suffered losses. 

Background: 

CFAP provides vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a 5-percent-or-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional significant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities.

Farmers and ranchers will receive direct support, drawn from two possible funding sources. The first source of funding is $9.5 billion in appropriated funding provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stability (CARES) Act to compensate farmers for losses due to price declines that occurred between mid-January 2020, and mid-April 2020 and provides support for specialty crops for product that had been shipped from the farm between the same time period but subsequently spoiled due to loss of marketing channels. The second funding source uses the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to compensate producers for $6.5 billion in losses due to on-going market disruptions. 

Non-Specialty Crops and Wool

Non-specialty crops eligible for CFAP payments include malting barley, canola, corn, upland cotton, millet, oats, soybeans, sorghum, sunflowers, durum wheat, and hard red spring wheat. Wool is also eligible. Producers will be paid based on inventory subject to price risk held as of Jan. 15, 2020.

A payment will be made based 50-percent of a producer’s 2019 total production or the 2019 inventory as of January 15, 2020, whichever is smaller, multiplied by the commodity’s applicable payment rates.

Livestock

Livestock eligible for CFAP include cattle, lambs, yearlings and hogs. The total payment will be calculated using the sum of the producer’s number of livestock sold between Jan. 15 and April 15, 2020, multiplied by the payment rates per head, and the highest inventory number of livestock between April 16 and May 14, 2020, multiplied by the payment rate per head.

Dairy

For dairy, the total payment will be calculated based on a producer’s certification of milk production for the first quarter of calendar year 2020 multiplied by a national price decline during the same quarter. The second part of the payment is based a national adjustment to each producer’s production in the first quarter. 

Specialty Crops

For eligible specialty crops, the total payment will be based on the volume of production sold between January 15 and April 15, 2020; the volume of production shipped, but unpaid; and the number of acres for which harvested production did not leave the farm or mature product destroyed or not harvested during that same time period, and which have not and will not be sold.

Specialty crops include, but are not limited to, almonds, beans, broccoli, sweet corn, lemons, iceberg lettuce, spinach, squash, strawberries and tomatoes. A full list of eligible crops can be found on farmers.gov/cfap. Additional crops may be deemed eligible at a later date.

Eligibility

There is a payment limitation of $250,000 per person or entity for all commodities combined. Applicants who are corporations, limited liability companies or limited partnerships may qualify for additional payment limits where members actively provide personal labor or personal management for the farming operation. Producers will also have to certify they meet the Adjusted Gross Income limitation of $900,000 unless at least 75 percent or more of their income is derived from farming, ranching or forestry-related activities. Producers must also be in compliance with Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation provisions. 

Applying for Assistance

Producers can apply for assistance beginning on May 26, 2020. Additional information and application forms can be found at farmers.gov/cfap. Producers of all eligible commodities will apply through their local FSA office. Documentation to support the producer’s application and certification may be requested. FSA has streamlined the signup process to not require an acreage report at the time of application and a USDA farm number may not be immediately needed. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 28, 2020.

Payment Structure

To ensure the availability of funding throughout the application period, producers will receive 80 percent of their maximum total payment upon approval of the application. The remaining portion of the payment, not to exceed the payment limit, will be paid at a later date as funds remain available.

USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment.

More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.