Dairy farmers hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic will soon see some relief as the result of $40 million in funding through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Gov. Tom Wolf announced Tuesday that the funding will go to support Pennsylvania’s dairy industry and food security programs following months of uncertainty and loss from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Specifically, $15 million will provide an opportunity for dairy farmers to receive direct relief payments and $5 million will reimburse dairy farmers who participate in the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS) program by donating excess dairy product to the commonwealth’s charitable food system.

“I’m extremely proud of our agricultural industry, which was hit with the most drastic market changes, yet they continued to show up for their communities,” said Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “The industry understands that hunger should not be our next pandemic and took action.”

Any dairy farm that experienced financial losses due to discarded or displaced milk during the COVID-19 emergency disaster may apply for assistance. Each farm with a documented loss will receive a minimum of $1,500 and an additional prorated share of the remaining funds, not to exceed the actual amount assessed by the handler.

The deadline to apply for the Dairy Indemnity Program is Sept. 30.