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USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program General Signup for 2024
Tue Mar 5, 2024 11:01 AMPHOENIX, ARIZONA March 5, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin signing up for the general Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) starting March 4 and running through March 29, 2024. This conservation opportunity gives producers tools to conserve wildlife habitat while achieving other conservation benefits, including sequestering carbon and improving water quality and soil health.Dairy Producers Can Enroll for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage Beginning Feb. 28
Fri Feb 23, 2024 02:44 PMWASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2024– Starting next Wednesday, dairy producers will be able to enroll for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), an important safety net program offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides producers with price support to help offset milk and feed price differences. This year’s DMC signup begins Feb. 28, 2024, and ends April 29, 2024. For those who sign up for 2024 DMC coverage, payments may begin as soon as March 4, 2024, for any payments that triggered in January 2024.Agricultural Producers Have Until March 15 to Enroll in USDA’s Key Commodity Safety Net Programs for the 2024 Crop Year
Fri Feb 23, 2024 12:00 AM America/PhoenixPHOENIX, ARIZONA, Feb. 23, 2024 – Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2024 crop year have until March 15, 2024, to revise elections and sign contracts. Both safety net programs, delivered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provide vital income support to farmers who experience substantial declines in crop prices or revenues for the 2024 crop year. In Arizona, producers have completed 632 contracts to date, representing 40% of the more than 1,500 expected contracts.
USDA to Issue $306 Million in Final Payments to Producers Impacted by 2020 and 2021 Natural Disasters
Tue Feb 6, 2024 04:07 PM America/PhoenixWASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2024 - The U. S Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing final Emergency Relief Program (ERP) payments totaling approximately $306 million to eligible commodity and specialty crop producers who incurred losses due to natural disasters in 2020 and 2021. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin issuing these additional payments to eligible producers this week.USDA Encourages Producers Participating in Conservation Reserve Program to Consider Forest Management Incentive
Thu Jan 25, 2024 05:09 PM America/PhoenixWASHINGTON, Jan. 25, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering financial assistance to agricultural producers and private landowners enrolled in its Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to improve the health of their forests. The Forest Management Incentive, available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), can help participants with forest management practices, such as brush management and prescribed burning.USDA Reopens Signup for Continuous Conservation Reserve Program
Fri Jan 12, 2024 02:10 PM America/PhoenixPHOENIX, ARIZONA, Jan. 12, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (Continuous CRP) signup. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages agricultural producers and landowners in Arizona who are interested in conservation opportunities for their land in exchange for yearly rental payments to consider the enrollment options available through Continuous CRP, which also includes the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) offered by FSA partners. Additionally, producers participating in CRP can now apply to re-enroll, if their contracts will expire this year.Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs Receive 2018 Farm Bill One Year Extension, Farmers Can Now Enroll for the 2024 Crop Year
Mon Dec 18, 2023 12:00 AM MSTWASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that agricultural producers can now enroll in the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2024 crop year. Producers can enroll and make election changes for the 2024 crop year starting Dec. 18, 2023. The deadline to complete enrollment and any election change is March 15, 2024.
El USDA hace cambios favorables a los productores en los requisitos de notificación de pérdidas de 2023 para dos programas de asistencia por catástrofe ganadera
Thu Dec 7, 2023 10:29 AMWASHINGTON, 7 de diciembre de 2023 -El Departamento de Agricultura de los EE. UU. (USDA, por sus siglas en inglés) ha eliminado ciertos requisitos de notificación de pérdida en 2023 para la Asistencia de Emergencia para Ganado, Abejas y Peces de Granja (ELAP, por sus siglas en inglés) (en inglés) y el Programa de Indemnización Ganadera (LIP, por sus siglas en inglés) (en inglés). En un esfuerzo por simplificar la asistencia para apoyar el acceso a la asistencia crítica de recuperación de desastres naturales 2023, la Agencia de Servicios Agrícolas (FSA, por sus siglas en inglés) del USDA está eliminando el requisito de presentar avisos de pérdida ELAP o LIP dentro de un número predeterminado de días para 2023. En su lugar, los productores tienen la flexibilidad de presentar notificaciones de pérdidas en 2023 tan pronto como sea posible, una vez que las pérdidas se realicen, tras un evento de desastre natural o no más tarde de los plazos anuales establecidos de solicitud de pago para cada programa. También se está pidiendo a los comités de condado de la FSA que reevalúen las notificaciones de pérdidas presentadas tardíamente de ELAP y LIP en 2023 para determinar si la exención es aplicable.USDA Now Accepting Applications for Farm Loans Online
Tue Dec 5, 2023 02:00 PM US/ArizonaWASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched an online application for Direct Loan customers. More than 26,000 customers who submit a Direct Loan application each year can now use an online, interactive, guided application that is paperless and provides helpful features including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet and build a farm operating plan. This tool is part of a broader effort by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to streamline its processes, improve customer service, and expand credit access.USDA Makes Producer-Friendly Change to 2023 Notice of Loss Requirements for Two Livestock Disaster Assistance Programs
Wed Nov 29, 2023 02:52 PMWASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has waived certain notice of loss requirements for 2023 for the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP) and Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). In an effort to streamline assistance to support access to critical 2023 natural disaster recovery assistance, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is waiving the requirement to submit ELAP or LIP notices of loss within a pre-determined number of days for 2023. Instead, producers have the flexibility to submit 2023 notices of loss as soon as possible, once losses are realized, following a natural disaster event or no later than the established annual program application for payment deadlines for each program. FSA county committees are also being asked to re-evaluate 2023 ELAP and LIP late-filed notices of loss to determine if the waiver applies.2023 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Open This Week
Thu Nov 9, 2023 12:19 PMWASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin mailing ballots this week for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county and urban county committee elections to all eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country. Elections are occurring in certain Local Administrative Areas for these committee members who make important decisions about how Federal farm programs are administered locally. Producers and landowners must return ballots to their local FSA county office or have their ballots postmarked by Dec. 4, 2023, for those ballots to be counted.Esta semana se abren las elecciones a los Comités de Condados 2023 de la Agencia de Servicios Agrícolas
Mon Nov 6, 2023 01:13 PMWASHINGTON, 6 de noviembre de 2023- El Departamento de Agricultura de los EE. UU. (USDA, por sus siglas en inglés) comenzará esta semana a enviar por correo las papeletas para las elecciones de los comités de condados y de los condados urbanos (en inglés) de la Agencia de Servicios Agrícolas (FSA, por sus siglas en inglés) a todos los productores agrícolas y propietarios privados de todo el país que reúnan los requisitos. En algunas Áreas Administrativas Locales se están celebrando elecciones para elegir a los miembros de estos comités, que toman decisiones importantes sobre la administración local de los programas agrícolas federales. Los productores y propietarios deben devolver sus papeletas a su oficina local del condado de la FSA o enviarlas por correo, con matasellos del 4 de diciembre de 2023 o antes, para que esas papeletas sean contadas.USDA to Provide More Than $3 Billion to Commodity and Specialty Crop Producers Impacted by 2022 Natural Disasters
Mon Oct 30, 2023 01:03 PMWASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2023 - The U. S Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide more than $3 billion to commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disaster events in 2022. Eligible impacted producers can apply for financial assistance through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) 2022. The program will help offset the financial impacts of crop yield and value losses from qualifying disasters occurring in 2022.
USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program Pays More Than $1.77 Billion to America’s Producers in Support of Conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture
Wed Oct 25, 2023 05:07 PMWASHINGTON, Oct. 16, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued more than $1.77 billion this year to agricultural producers and landowners through its Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a critical piece of the Department’s efforts to support climate-smart agriculture and forestry on working lands. Right now, CRP’s more than 667,000 participants received payments from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) for their voluntary conservation efforts on more than 23 million acres of private land. Since 2021, CRP has grown by 21 percent in terms of acres enrolled, testament to the Biden-Harris administration’s program improvement efforts.USDA Extends Application Deadline for Discrimination Financial Assistance Program to January 13
Thu Oct 19, 2023 09:15 AMWASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is extending the deadline for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program to January 13, 2024, to give eligible farmers, ranchers and forest landowners more time to apply for assistance. The original deadline was October 31, 2023.Secretarial Drought Disaster Determinations
Tue Oct 3, 2023 01:08 PMOn September 25, 2023, Secretary of Agriculture, Thomas J. Vilsack, under 7 CFR 759.5(a), designated five (5) Arizona Counties as a primary disaster area due to drought intensity value during the growing season of 1) D2 Drought-Severe for 8 or more consecutive weeks or 2) D3 Drought-Extreme or D4 Drought-Exceptional.Dairy Margin Coverage Program Provides Critical Support for Dairy Operations
Fri Sep 29, 2023 12:00 AMWASHINGTON – Sept. 29, 2023— The August milk margin triggered the eighth consecutive payment for dairy producers who obtained Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) for the 2023 program year. August’s income over feed margin is $6.46 per hundredweight (cwt.) with projected DMC payments totaling $120 million. To date, including the projected August payments, dairy producers have received more than $1.2 billion in much needed economic support for 2023 and margin forecasts indicate the likelihood of more to come before the end of the calendar year.USDA Provides $5 Million in Second Round of Payments to Help Organic Dairy Producers Cover Increased Costs
Tue Sep 26, 2023 12:00 AMPHOENIX, Arizona, September 26, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing a second round of payments for dairy producers through the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP), providing an additional $5 million to help dairy producers mitigate market volatility, higher input and transportation costs, and unstable feed supply and prices that have created unique hardships in the organic dairy industry. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already paid out $15 million in the first round of payments for eligible producers, bringing total ODMAP payments to $20 million.
USDA Launches Program to Support Agricultural Employers and Farmworkers, Aiming to Increase Economic and Supply Chain Resilience as Part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda
Fri Sep 22, 2023 03:52 PMWASHINGTON, D.C., September 22, 2023 – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that agricultural employers can begin to apply for a pilot program designed to improve the resiliency of the food and agricultural supply chain by addressing workforce challenges farmers and ranchers face. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in coordination with other federal agencies, is announcing up to $65 million in grants available for the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP Program).
El USDA anuncia ayudas por pérdida de leche para operaciones lecheras afectadas por catástrofes en 2020, 2021 y 2022
Thu Sep 14, 2023 12:26 PMWASHINGTON, 11 de septiembre de 2023 - El Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció hoy la asistencia del Programa de Pérdida de Leche (MLP, por sus siglas en inglés) para las operaciones lecheras elegibles por la leche que fue desechada o retirada, sin compensación, del mercado comercial debido a eventos climáticos y las consecuencias de los fenómenos meteorológicos que impidieron la entrega o almacenamiento de leche (por ejemplo, cortes de energía, carreteras intransitables, pérdidas de infraestructura, etc.) durante los años naturales 2020, 2021 y 2022. La inscripción en el MLP, administrado por la Agencia de Servicios Agrícolas (FSA, por sus siglas en inglés), comienza el 11 de septiembre y finaliza el 16 de octubre de 2023.USDA Announces Milk Loss Assistance for Dairy Operations Impacted by 2020, 2021 and 2022 Disaster Events
Mon Sep 11, 2023 01:45 PMWASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2023 –The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced Milk Loss Program (MLP) assistance for eligible dairy operations for milk that was dumped or removed, without compensation, from the commercial milk market due to qualifying weather events and the consequences of those weather events that inhibited delivery or storage of milk (e.g., power outages, impassable roads, infrastructure losses, etc.) during calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022. Administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), signup for MLP begins Sept. 11 and runs through Oct. 16, 2023.
USDA Updates Livestock Disaster Payment Rate to Assist Producers Hard-Hit by Heat and Humidity
Fri Aug 25, 2023 04:07 PMWASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2023 – The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced today it is updating the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) payment rate to support livestock producers in the Midwest who have lost cattle to the extreme heat and humidity experienced this summer. To help indemnify ranchers to reflect a trend towards higher cattle weights in feedlots, the 2023 LIP payment rate for beef calves over 800 pounds will increase from $1244 per head to $1618, an increase of $374.USDA Establishing New Urban Service Center in Phoenix
Wed Jul 26, 2023 01:29 PMPHOENIX, Arizona, July 26, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is opening 17 new Urban Service Centers in the next year including one in Phoenix and investing in new partnerships to support urban agriculture.
USDA Selects University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Service to Support Urban Agriculture Efforts in Phoenix
Wed Jul 26, 2023 11:08 AMPHOENIX, Arizona, July 26, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) selected University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Service as one of the key organizations to support its broad effort in urban agriculture, including efforts here in Phoenix. University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Service and other organizations are supporting new Urban Service Centers and urban county committees, both key to delivering programs to urban producers.USDA Extends Deadline for Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Until August 11
Fri Jul 21, 2023 03:48 PMPHOENIX, Arizona, July 21, 2023 –The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline for the new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) to August 11, 2023. This extension gives Arizona organic dairy producers more than two additional weeks to apply for the program. ODMAP helps producers mitigate market volatility, higher input and transportation costs, and unstable feed supply and prices that have created unique hardships in the organic dairy industry. This assistance will help keep Arizona organic dairy operations sustainable until markets return to more normal conditions.USDA Accepts Nearly 2.7 Million Acres in Grassland CRP Signup, Successfully Closing the Gap and Bringing CRP Near to Acreage Cap
Wed Jul 19, 2023 04:11 PMPHOENIX, Arizona, July 19, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting offers for nearly 2.7 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners through this year’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grassland signup. This program allows producers and landowners to continue grazing and haying practices while protecting grasslands and further CRP conservation efforts. Grassland CRP is part of the Biden-Harris administration’s broader effort to address climate change and conserve natural resources. This year’s signup results include 65,343 acres in Arizona.USDA Invests $7.4 Million in 25 Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Efforts
Tue Jul 18, 2023 12:00 AMWASHINGTON, July 18, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $7.4 million in 25 selected grants that support urban agriculture and innovative production. Selected grant recipients, including community gardens and nonprofit farms, will increase food production and access in economically distressed communities, provide job training and education, and allow partners to develop business plans and zoning proposals. These grants build on $40 million in projects funded since 2020 and are part of USDA’s broad support for urban agriculture through its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). Funding limits only allowed USDA to select the top scoring 10% of the applications reviewed. This year, USDA received more than 300 applications, which is twice last year’s applications.Financial Assistance Application Process Opens for USDA Farm Loan Borrowers Who Have Faced Discrimination
Fri Jul 7, 2023 02:01 PMWASHINGTON, July 7, 2023 – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the opening of the financial assistance application process for eligible farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021. Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) directs USDA to provide this assistance. Since the law’s passage, USDA has worked diligently to design the program in accordance with significant stakeholder input.USDA Reminds Agricultural Producers of July 14 Deadline to Apply for Pandemic and Natural Disaster Revenue Loss Programs
Thu Jul 6, 2023 03:10 PMPhoenix, Arizona, July 6, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers of the July 14 deadline to apply for both the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two and the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP). These revenue-based programs help offset revenue losses from 2020 and 2021 natural disasters or the COVID-19 pandemic.Urban Producers, Public Invited to Attend August Meeting of Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Thu Jul 6, 2023 02:48 PMWASHINGTON, July 6, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages urban producers, innovative producers and other stakeholders to submit comments for and virtually attend a public meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (Committee) on Aug. 1, 2023.USDA Announces Historic Investment in Wildlife Conservation, Expands Partnership to Include Additional Programs
Thu Jul 6, 2023 12:00 AMBOULDER, Colo., July 6, 2023 – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing that it will expand its work on wildlife conservation by investing at least $500 million over the next five years and by leveraging all available conservation programs, including the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), through its Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) effort. These commitments, which align with President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, will ramp up the conservation assistance for farmers, ranchers, private forest owners and tribes with a focus on working lands in key geographies across the country as well as hiring for key conservation positions. The funding will help deliver a series of cohesive Frameworks for Conservation Action, which establish a common vision across the partnership of public and private interests and goals for delivering conservation resources in a given ecosystem, combining cutting-edge science with local knowledge.Biden-Harris Administration Announces Intended Investment of Approximately $300 Million in 50 Projects Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access for Underserved Producers
Thu Jun 22, 2023 07:20 PMWASHINGTON, June 22, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced its selection of 50 projects for potential award, totaling approximately $300 million. These innovative projects will help improve access to land, capital, and markets for underserved farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. The Increasing Land, Capital, and Market Access (Increasing Land Access) Program, which is funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, works to increase access to farm ownership opportunities, improve results for those with heirs’ property or fractionated land, increase access to markets and capital that affect the ability to access land, and improve land ownership, land succession and agricultural business planning.
USDA Reminds Arizona Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports
Wed Jun 21, 2023 03:29 PM(Phoenix, Arizona), June 21, 2023 – Agricultural producers in Arizona who have not yet completed their crop acreage reports after planting should make an appointment with their U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) service center before the applicable deadline.
Farm Service Agency Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local County Committees
Thu Jun 15, 2023 01:30 PMWASHINGTON, June 15, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting nominations for county committee members for elections that will occur later this year. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is unveiling a new GIS tool to make it easier for producers to participate in the nomination and election processes for county committee members, who make important decisions on how federal farm programs are administered locally.USDA Announces Corrections to Emergency Relief Program Policy to More Accurately Reflect 2020 and 2021 Natural Disaster Impacts on Crops Intended for On-Farm Use
Thu Jun 15, 2023 11:23 AMWASHINGTON, June 14, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two to provide a method for valuing losses and accessing program benefits to eligible producers of certain crops, including grapes grown and used by the same producer for wine production or forage that is grown, stored and fed to livestock, that do not generate revenue directly from the sale of the crop. These updates ensure that ERP benefits are more reflective of these producers’ actual crop losses resulting from 2020 and 2021 natural disaster events. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin accepting ERP Phase Two applications from eligible wine grape and forage producers once this technical correction to ERP is published in the Federal Register and becomes effective, which it anticipates will be on Friday, June 16, 2023. The deadline to submit applications for ERP Phase Two is July 14.USDA Accepts More Than 1 Million Acres in Offers Through Conservation Reserve Program General Signup
Thu Jun 15, 2023 11:10 AMWASHINGTON, June 15, 2023 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting more than 1 million acres in this year’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup. This is one of several signups that USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is holding for the program. The results for CRP General signup reflect the continued importance of CRP as a tool to help producers invest in the long-term health, sustainability, and profitability of their land and resources.
USDA Extends Application Deadline for Revenue Loss Programs to July 14
Tue May 30, 2023 04:13 PMWASHINGTON, May 30, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline for the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two and Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) to July 14, 2023, to give producers more time to apply for assistance. The original deadline was June 2.USDA Previews Emergency Relief Assistance for Agricultural Producers Who Incurred Losses Due to 2022 Natural Disaster Events
Fri May 19, 2023 11:29 AMWASHINGTON, May 19, 2023 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced plans to roll out $3.7 billion in Emergency Relief Program (ERP) and Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) assistance to crop and livestock producers who sustained losses due to a qualifying natural disaster event in calendar year 2022. USDA is sharing early information to allow producers time to gather documents in advance of program delivery. Through distribution of remaining funds, USDA is also concluding the 2021 ELRP program by sending payments in the amount of 20% of the initial ELRP payment to all existing recipients.
USDA Offers Livestock Disaster Program Flexibilities; Responds to Needs Expressed by Producers Hard-Hit by Natural Disasters
Wed May 17, 2023 10:36 AMPHOENIX, ARIZONA, May 17, 2023 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has provided additional flexibilities and further enhanced disaster recovery assistance provided by the Emergency Assistance for Livestock Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP), Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) in response to needs expressed by livestock producers across the U.S. who have experienced significant feed, forage and animal losses from natural disasters. These livestock disaster program policy enhancements include an extended June 2, 2023, deadline to submit notices of loss and applications for payment for 2022 losses. The deadline extension and program flexibilities are available to eligible producers nationwide who incurred losses from a qualifying natural disaster event.
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs of Organic Producers
Tue May 16, 2023 03:34 PMPHOENIX, ARIZONA, May 16, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will cover up to 75% of the costs associated with organic certification, up to $750 per category, through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Arizona Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages organic agricultural producers and handlers to apply for OCCSP by Oct. 31, 2023, for expenses incurred from Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2023.
USDA Seeks Members for Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Tue May 16, 2023 12:00 AMWASHINGTON, May 16, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations for four positions on the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. Nominations will be open to public from May 15, 2023, to July 15, 2023. The 12-member Committee, which first convened in March 2022, is part of USDA’s efforts to increase support for urban agriculture and innovative production. Members of the Committee provide input on policy development and help identify barriers to urban agriculture as USDA works to promote urban farming and the economic opportunities it provides in cities across the country.USDA’s CLEAR30 Offers Producers with Expiring Voluntary Conservation Contracts Longer Term Options
Wed Apr 26, 2023 12:00 AMPHOENIX, ARIZONA, April 26, 2023 – Agricultural producers and landowners with certain expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts can receive additional rental incentives and extend that land’s role in conservation for another 30 years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened the signup period for its Clean Lakes, Estuaries, And Rivers enrollment (CLEAR30) now through July 31, 2023. CLEAR30 is a part of the CLEAR initiative, which prioritizes water quality practices as a part of Continuous CRP enrollment, and is one of several CRP enrollment opportunities. CLEAR30 allows producers and landowners enrolling certain water quality practices to enroll in 30-year contracts, extending the lifespan and strengthening the benefits of important water quality practices on their land. Like other CRP enrollments, CLEAR30 is a voluntary, incentive-based conservation opportunity offered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).
USDA Announces Grassland Conservation Reserve Program Signup for 2023
Fri Apr 21, 2023 05:51 PMPHOENIX, Arizona, April 21, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin signing up for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) starting today and running through May 26, 2023. Among CRP enrollment opportunities, Grassland CRP is a unique working lands program, allowing producers and landowners to continue grazing and haying practices while conserving grasslands and promoting plant and animal biodiversity as well as healthier soil.
USDA Announces Additional Assistance for Distressed Farmers Facing Financial Risk
Mon Mar 27, 2023 04:17 PMWASHINGTON, March 27, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that beginning in April it will provide approximately $123 million in additional, automatic financial assistance for qualifying farm loan program borrowers who are facing financial risk, as part of the $3.1 billion to help distressed farm loan borrowers that was provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The announcement builds on financial assistance offered to borrowers through the same program in October 2022.
USDA Names Appointees to the Arizona Farm Service Agency State Committee
Fri Mar 17, 2023 02:00 PM ESTPhoenix, Ariz., March 17, 2023- The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced appointees who will serve on the Arizona USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee.
Agricultural Producers Have Until March 15 to Enroll in USDA’s Key Commodity Safety Net Programs
Tue Mar 7, 2023 12:05 PMPHOENIX, ARIZONA, March. 7, 2023 – Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2023 crop year have until March 15, 2023, to elect and enroll a contract. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers these two safety net programs to provide vital income support to farmers experiencing substantial declines in crop prices or revenues.
USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program Signup for 2023
Thu Feb 16, 2023 03:46 PMPHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 16, 2023 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin applying for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup starting February 27 through April 7, 2023. CRP is a cornerstone voluntary conservation program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and a key tool in the Biden-Harris administration’s effort to address climate change and help agricultural communities invest in the long-term well-being of their land and natural resources.
USDA Develops Simplified Direct Loan Application to Improve Customer Service
Wed Feb 8, 2023 01:12 PMWASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed a simplified direct loan application to provide improved customer experience for producers applying for loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The simplified direct loan application enables producers to complete a more streamlined application, reduced from 29 to 13 pages. Producers will also have the option to complete an electronic fillable form or prepare a traditional, paper application for submission to their local FSA farm loan office. The paper and electronic versions of the form will be available starting March 1, 2023.
USDA Invests $9.4 Million in Compost and Food Waste Reduction Projects
Thu Feb 2, 2023 05:02 PMWASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing more than $9.4 million in 45 cooperative agreements that support innovative, scalable waste management plans to reduce and divert food waste from landfills. The Compost and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) cooperative agreements, which are funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, are part of USDA’s broad support for urban agriculture through its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). The projects will be implemented between 2023 and 2025.
Urban Producers, Public Invited to Attend February Meeting of Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Mon Jan 30, 2023 04:47 PMWASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages urban producers, innovative producers and other stakeholders to virtually attend the fourth public meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (Committee) on Feb. 23, 2023.
USDA Announces Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Thu Jan 26, 2023 04:59 PMWASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making available up to $7.5 million for grants through its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). The competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories, Planning Projects and Implementation Projects. USDA will accept applications on Grants.gov until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 27, 2023.
USDA Announces Additional Assistance for Dairy Farmers
Tue Jan 24, 2023 01:33 PMWASHINGTON, January 24, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the details of additional assistance for dairy producers, including a second round of payments through the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program (PMVAP) and a new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP). The update to PMVAP and the new ODMAP will enable USDA to better support small- and medium-sized dairy operations who weathered the pandemic and now face other challenges
USDA Announces Signup for 2023 Assistance for On-Farm Food Safety Expenses for Specialty Crop Growers
Fri Jan 20, 2023 03:53 PMWASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2023— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds specialty crop producers of available assistance to help cover certain costs of complying with regulatory and market-driven food safety certification requirements. Applications for the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program for eligible 2022 costs are due by Jan. 31, 2023. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications for 2023 costs from Feb. 1, 2023, to Jan. 31, 2024.
USDA Reminds Producers of Continuous Certification Option for Perennial Forage
Thu Jan 12, 2023 03:49 PMWASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds agricultural producers with perennial forage crops of an option to report their acreage once, without having to report that acreage in subsequent years, as long as there are no applicable changes on the farm. Interested producers can select the continuous certification option after USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) certifies their acreage report.
USDA Expands Eligibility, Enhances Benefits for Key Disaster Programs
Wed Jan 11, 2023 03:09 PMWASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made updates to several conservation, livestock and crop disaster assistance programs to give more farmers, ranchers, and tribes the opportunity to apply for and access programs that support recovery following natural disasters. Specifically, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) expanded eligibility and enhanced available benefits for a suite of its programs. These updates will provide critical assistance to producers who need to rebuild and recover after suffering catastrophic losses of production and infrastructure due to natural disasters.
USDA Announces Major Program Improvements, Progress, and Investments to Benefit American Farmers, Ranchers, and Producers
Tue Jan 10, 2023 04:03 PMSAN JUAN, P.R., January 10, 2023 — Today, at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced several major developments at the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will benefit farmers, ranchers and producers across the nation.
2023 Dairy Margin Coverage Deadline Extended – Jan. 31, 2023, Last Day to Enroll
Thu Dec 8, 2022 04:02 PMWASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2022 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline for producers to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage (SDMC) for program year 2023 to Jan. 31, 2023
Biden Administration Appoints Ginger Sykes Torres to Serve as State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Arizona
Wed Dec 7, 2022 12:42 PMWASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2022— The Biden Administration recently appointed Ginger Sykes Torres as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Arizona Farm Service Agency (FSA).
USDA Previews Crop and Revenue Loss Assistance for Agricultural Producers
Tue Nov 15, 2022 02:57 PMWASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2022 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced plans for additional emergency relief and pandemic assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA is preparing to roll out the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two as well as the new Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP), which are two programs to help offset crop and revenue losses for producers. USDA is sharing early information to help producers gather documents and train front-line staff on the new approach.
USDA Releases Nationwide Farmer, Rancher and Forest Manager Prospective Customer Survey
Wed Nov 9, 2022 04:51 PMWASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2022 – Producers can now take a nationwide survey to help the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) improve and increase access to its programs and services for America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest managers. The survey includes new and existing customers. USDA encourages all agricultural producers to take the survey, especially those who have not worked with USDA previously. The survey gathers feedback on programs and services available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA).
Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Open This Week
Wed Nov 9, 2022 12:28 PMPhoenix, Arizona, Nov. 9, 2022 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began mailing ballots this week for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county and urban county committee elections to all eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country. Elections are occurring in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these committee members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. Producers and landowners must return ballots to their local FSA county office or have their ballots be postmarked by Dec. 5, 2022, in order for those ballots to be counted.
USDA Launches Loan Assistance Tool to Enhance Equity and Customer Service
Thu Oct 27, 2022 11:08 AMWASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a new online tool to help farmers and ranchers better navigate the farm loan application process. This uniform application process will help to ensure all farm loan applicants receive equal support and have a consistent customer experience with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) regardless of their individual circumstances.
Dairy Producers Can Now Enroll for 2023 Signup for Dairy Margin Coverage
Thu Oct 20, 2022 11:45 AMWASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2022 – Dairy producers can now enroll for 2023 coverage through the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program, an important safety net program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that helps producers manage changes in milk and feed prices. Last year, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) took steps to improve coverage, especially for small- and mid-sized dairies, including offering a new Supplemental DMC program and updating its feed cost formula to better address retroactive, current and future feed costs. These changes continue to support producers through this year’s signup, which begins today and ends Dec. 9, 2022.
USDA Formalizes Big Game Conservation Partnership with State of Wyoming
Wed Oct 19, 2022 06:39 PMWASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the state of Wyoming are formalizing a partnership to support the voluntary conservation of private working lands and migratory big game populations in Wyoming. As part of the agreement signed today by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Governor Mark Gordon, USDA will provide a new package of investments in key conservation programs for fiscal year 2023, which includes funding to support increased staffing capacity and the deployment of streamlined program application processes for agricultural producers and landowners. Producers in the Wyoming pilot area will be able to apply for conservation programs that meet their unique needs starting this fall.
USDA Seeks Input on New Grant Program to Strengthen Food Supply Chain, Reduce Irregular Migration, and Improve Working Conditions for Farmworkers
Wed Sep 21, 2022 02:39 PMWASHINGTON, September 21, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is gathering input to help shape a recently announced planned grant program focused on improving the resiliency of our food and agricultural supply chain by addressing labor shortages in agriculture, reducing irregular migration through increased use of legal pathways, and improving labor protections for farmworkers. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will hold three virtual listening sessions on Sept. 28-29 for the new farm labor stabilization and protection pilot grant program, which the Biden-Harris administration announced earlier this year as part of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.
USDA Opens People’s Garden Initiative to Gardens Nationwide
Tue Sep 13, 2022 12:08 PMWASHINGTON, Sept. 9, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding its People’s Garden Initiative to include eligible gardens nationwide. School gardens, community gardens, urban farms, and small-scale agriculture projects in rural, suburban and urban areas can be recognized as a “People’s Garden” if they register on the USDA website and meet criteria including benefitting the community, working collaboratively, incorporating conservation practices and educating the public. Affiliate People’s Garden locations will be indicated on a map on the USDA website, featured in USDA communications, and provided with a People’s Garden sign.
USDA to Mail Additional Pre-Filled Applications to Producers Impacted by 2020, 2021 Disasters
Thu Aug 18, 2022 04:43 PMWASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced another installment (phase) in assistance to commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disaster events in 2020 and 2021. More than 18,000 producers will soon receive new or updated pre-filled disaster applications to offset eligible crop losses. Approximately $6.4 billion has already been distributed to 165,000 producers through USDA’s Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Emergency Relief Program (ERP).
USDA Announces First Three Lenders for Heirs’ Property Relending Program
Thu Aug 18, 2022 02:26 PMPHOENIX, ARIZONA, August 18, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Akiptan, Inc., the Cherokee Nation Economic Development Trust Authority (CNEDTA) and the Shared Capital Cooperative have been approved or conditionally approved as intermediary lenders through the Heirs’ Property Relending Program (HPRP). Once HPRP loans with these lenders close, these lenders will help agricultural producers and landowners resolve heirs’ land ownership and succession issues. Additionally, USDA encourages more intermediary lenders, including cooperatives, credit unions and nonprofit organizations to apply. Currently, more than $100 million of HPRP funding is available for these competitive loans.
USDA Invests $14.5 Million in Taxpayer Education, Program Outreach Efforts for Farmers and Ranchers
Fri Aug 5, 2022 01:19 PMPHOENIX, ARIZONA, Aug. 5, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing in two outreach and education efforts for farmers and ranchers, including those who are new to farming or who have been historically underserved by USDA programs. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is investing $10 million for agriculture-oriented taxpayer education as well as $4.5 million in outreach for the Conservation Reserve Program’s Transition Incentives Program (CRP TIP), which helps with access to land for beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Both efforts help advance equity and access to USDA programs and agriculture.
Deadline Extended and More Pre-Filled Forms For 2020 and 2021 Disasters on the Way
Wed Jul 27, 2022 04:50 PMWASHINGTON, July 27, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it will indefinitely extend the deadline for producers to return the pre-filled applications for Phase One of the Emergency Relief Program (ERP). A new deadline will be announced after the last Phase One applications are mailed and provide at least 30 days following the mailing.
USDA Begins Issuing Payments for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program
Tue Jul 26, 2022 10:41 AMWASHINGTON, July 26, 2022— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is increasing the amount of funding available for the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP) and expects to issue approximately $62.8 million in pandemic assistance payments to hog producers starting this week. SMHPP assists eligible producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale from April 16, 2020, through Sept. 1, 2020. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) accepted SMHPP applications through April 29, 2022.
USDA Designates Pinal County, Arizona as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Jul 20, 2022 10:20 AMThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
Agricultural Producers Have Until August 1st for Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local County Committees
Mon Jul 18, 2022 12:31 PMFarmers and ranchers have until Aug. 1, 2022, to nominate candidates to serve on their local County Farm Service Agency (FSA) Committee. Elections will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for members. LAAs are elective areas for FSA committees in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction. This may include LAAs that are focused on an urban or suburban area.
USDA Accepts More than 3.1 Million Acres in Grassland CRP Signup
Wed Jul 13, 2022 01:40 PMPHOENIX, ARIZONA, July 13, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting offers for more than 3.1 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners through this year’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grassland Signup, the highest in history. The signup’s results include nearly 5,000 acres in Arizona.
USDA Has Issued More Than $4 Billion in Emergency Relief Program Payments to Date
Wed Jun 29, 2022 07:39 PMWASHINGTON, June 29, 2022 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that to date, agricultural producers have already received more than $4 billion through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP), representing approximately 67% of the more than $6 billion projected to be paid through this first phase of the program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) mailed out pre-filled applications in late May to producers with crop insurance who suffered losses due to natural disasters in 2020 and 2021. Commodity and specialty crop producers have until July 22 to complete applications.
To Date, USDA Has Issued $16 Million in Emergency Relief Program Payments to Arizona Agricultural Producers
Wed Jun 29, 2022 07:13 PMPHOENIX, ARIZONA, JUNE 29, 2022 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced, agricultural producers nationwide have already received more than $4 billion through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP), representing nearly 67% of the more than $6 billion projected to be paid through this phase of the program. Eligible producers in Arizona have received over $6 Million in funding to date. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) mailed out pre-filled applications in late May to producers with crop insurance who suffered losses due to natural disasters in 2020 and 2021. Commodity and specialty crop producers have until July 22 to complete applications.
USDA Designates Maricopa County, Arizona, as Primary Natural Disaster Area
Thu Jun 23, 2022 12:25 PMThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
USDA Announces Assistance for On-Farm Food Safety Expenses for Specialty Crop Growers
Fri Jun 17, 2022 04:11 PMHOLLIS, NEW HAMPSHIRE, JUNE 17, 2022— Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to provide up to $200 million in assistance for specialty crop producers who incur eligible on-farm food safety program expenses to obtain or renew a food safety certification in calendar years 2022 or 2023. USDA’s new Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program will help to offset costs for specialty crop producers to comply with regulatory requirements and market-driven food safety certification requirements, which is part of USDA’s broader effort to transform the food system to create a more level playing field for small and medium producers and a more balanced, equitable economy for everyone working in food and agriculture.
USDA Reminds Arizona Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports
Fri Jun 17, 2022 12:43 PM(PHOENIX, ARIZONA), June 17, 2022 – Agricultural producers in Arizona who have not yet completed their crop acreage reports after planting should make an appointment with their U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) service center before the applicable deadline.
Farm Service Agency Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local County Committees
Thu Jun 16, 2022 07:00 AMPHOENIX, ARIZONA, JUNE 16, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is now accepting nominations for county committee members. Elections will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for members. LAAs are elective areas for FSA committees in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction. This may include LAAs that are focused on an urban or suburban area.
USDA Designates Two Arizona Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Jun 14, 2022 04:55 PMThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
USDA Designates Yavapai County, Arizona, as Primary Natural Disaster Area
Fri Jun 3, 2022 05:53 PMThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
USDA Advances Food System Transformation with $43 Million for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production, Adds New Urban County Committees
Fri Jun 3, 2022 02:39 PMPHOENIX, ARIZONA, June 3, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announces significant investments to support urban agriculture, including $43.1 million for grants and cooperative agreements as well as six new urban county committees to help deliver key USDA programs to urban producers. These actions support USDA’s efforts to strengthen the food supply chain and transform the food system to be fairer, more competitive, and more resilient.
USDA to Provide Approximately $6 Billion to Commodity and Specialty Crop Producers Impacted by 2020 and 2021 Natural Disasters
Tue May 17, 2022 04:16 PMWASHINGTON, May 17 2022 – The U. S Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disaster events in 2020 and 2021 will soon begin receiving emergency relief payments totaling approximately $6 billion through the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) new Emergency Relief Program (ERP) to offset crop yield and value losses.
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs of Organic, Transitioning Producers in Arizona
Tue May 17, 2022 03:59 PMPHOENIX, ARIZONA, May 17, 2022 – Agricultural producers and handlers who are certified organic, along with producers and handlers who are transitioning to organic production, can now apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Organic and Transitional Education Certification Program (OTECP) and Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), which help producers and handlers cover the cost of organic certification, along with other related expenses. Applications for OTECP and OCCSP are both due October 31, 2022.
USDA Renews People’s Garden Initiative
Thu May 5, 2022 09:23 AMPHOENIX, May 5, 2022 – Today Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack planted a tree to announce the reopening of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) People’s Garden Initiative. People’s Gardens across the country will grow fresh, healthy food and support resilient, local food systems; teach people how to garden using conservation practices; nurture habitat for pollinators and wildlife and create greenspace for neighbors. The garden at USDA headquarters in Washington, D.C. will be joined by 17 flagship gardens located in urban communities nationwide, including in Phoenix.
USDA Accepts 2 Million Acres in Offers Through Conservation Reserve Program General Signup
Wed May 4, 2022 04:48 PMARIZONA, May 4, 2022 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting more than 2 million acres in offers from agricultural producers and landowners through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup, This is the first of the program’s multiple signups occurring in 2022. With about 3.4 million acres expiring this year, Vilsack encourages producers and landowners to consider the Grassland and Continuous signups, both of which are currently open.
USDA Designates Yuma County, Arizona, as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Tue May 3, 2022 05:56 PMThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
USDA Designates 33 New Mexico Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Apr 26, 2022 07:14 PMThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
USDA Designates 13 Nevada Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Apr 26, 2022 06:58 PMThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
USDA Designates 64 Colorado Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Apr 26, 2022 06:38 PMThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
USDA Designates 58 California Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Apr 26, 2022 06:30 PMThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
USDA Designates Eight Arizona Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Apr 26, 2022 03:00 PMThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
USDA Accepting New or Modified Proposals for Its State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Program
Tue Apr 19, 2022 11:45 AMWASHINGTON, April 19, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is welcoming new and modified proposals from conservation partners for the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) initiative, a part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) focused on effectively managing wildlife habitat. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has expanded available practices under this initiative in response to feedback from partners.
USDA To Compensate Drought-Stricken Ranchers for Above Normal Costs to Haul Livestock to Forage
Wed Apr 6, 2022 03:07 PMPHOENIX, ARIZONA, April 6, 2022— Due to the persistent drought conditions in the Great Plains and West, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering additional relief through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP) to help ranchers cover above normal costs of hauling livestock to forage or other grazing acres. This policy enhancement complements previously announced ELAP compensation for hauling feed to livestock. ELAP livestock and feed hauling assistance is retroactive for 2021 and will be available for losses in 2022 and subsequent years.
USDA Offers CLEAR30 Option for Producers to Enroll Land with Expiring Conservation Contracts
Fri Apr 1, 2022 04:00 PMARIZONA, April 1, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the signup period for its Clean Lakes, Estuaries, And Rivers initiative (CLEAR30) — a nationwide opportunity for certain landowners and agricultural producers currently implementing water quality practices through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to enroll in 30-year contracts, extending the lifespan and strengthening the benefits of important water quality practices on their land.
USDA to Provide Payments to Livestock Producers Impacted by Drought or Wildfire
Thu Mar 31, 2022 05:01 PMWASHINGTON, March 31, 2022 – The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that ranchers who have approved applications through the 2021 Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for forage losses due to severe drought or wildfire in 2021 will soon begin receiving emergency relief payments for increases in supplemental feed costs in 2021 through the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) new Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP).
USDA Encourages Producers to Enroll Grasslands into Special Conservation Reserve Program Signup
Wed Mar 30, 2022 03:59 PMPHOENIX, March 30, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages producers and landowners to enroll in the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) starting next week through May 13, 2022. Grassland CRP provides a unique opportunity for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners to keep land in agricultural production and supplement their income while improving their soils and permanent grass cover. The program had its highest enrollment in history in 2021 and is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader effort to equip producers with the tools they need to help address climate change and invest in the long-term health of our natural resources.
Thank a Farmer for Food, Fiber, Fuel, and Our Future
Tue Mar 22, 2022 06:45 PMMarch 22 is National Ag Day, a time for us to thank farmers and ranchers for feeding, sheltering and powering our nation. We also want to celebrate and recognize the pivotal role of producers in mitigating climate change through voluntary conservation efforts.
USDA Updates Eligibility for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program
Thu Mar 17, 2022 01:33 PMWASHINGTON, March 17, 2022— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has clarified the definition of a spot market sale and hog eligibility under the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP), which assists producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale from April 16, 2020, through Sept. 1, 2020. Hog producers will also now be required to submit documentation to support information provided on their SMHPP application. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications through April 29, 2022, which is an extension of the April 15, 2022, deadline previously set for the program.