USDA aids socially disadvantaged, reopens Coronavirus program The U.S. Department of Agricultureâs Farm Service Agency is making available $2 million to establish partnerships with organizations to provide outreach and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The funding was made possible by USDAâs new Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Itâs an effort to put greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers impacted by the pandemic. The Farm Service Agencyâs Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 signup also recently reopened as part of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Farmers and ranchers will have at least 60 days from Apr. 5 to apply or make modifications to existing program applications.