Please submit all media inquiries for FSA to FPAC.BC.press@usda.gov.
TO Date, USDA Has Issued $6.8 Million in Emergency Relief Program Payments to Connecticut Agricultural Producers
Fri Jul 15, 2022 07:55 AMTolland, Connecticut, July 15, 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 Connecticut have received 6.8 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 Announces Assistance for On-Farm Food Safety Expenses for Specialty Crop Growers
Tue Jun 21, 2022 10:52 AMHollis, New Hampshire, June 21, 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.
Farm Service Agency Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local County Committees
Fri Jun 17, 2022 09:09 AMTolland, Connecticut, June 17, 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 Reminds Connecticut Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports
Fri Jun 17, 2022 07:51 AMTolland, Connecticut, June 16, 2022 – Agricultural producers in Connecticut 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.
USDA Advances Food System Transformation with $43 Million for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production, Adds New Urban County Committees
Mon Jun 6, 2022 09:40 AMTolland, Connecticut, June 6, 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.
Connecticut FSA: Farm Service Agency Accepting Applications for Loss Adjusters
Thu Jun 2, 2022 01:36 PMTolland, Conn., June 2, 2022 - The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is currently accepting applications from individuals interested in providing contracted crop adjusting services throughout Connecticut for the 2022 crop year. Applications submitted before July 2 will be prioritized however, submissions will be accepted until all positions are filled. Applications can be submitted electronically to emily.cole@usda.gov or can be delivered by mail or submitted in person to you local FSA office
USDA to Allow Producers to Request Voluntary Termination of Conservation Reserve Program Contract
Thu May 26, 2022 11:02 AMConnecticut, May 26, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will allow Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants who are in the final year of their CRP contract to request voluntary termination of their CRP contract following the end of the primary nesting season for fiscal year 2022. Participants approved for this one-time, voluntary termination will not have to repay rental payments, a flexibility implemented this year to help mitigate the global food supply challenges caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other factors. Today, USDA also announced additional flexibilities for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs of Organic, Transitioning Producers in Connecticut
Fri May 20, 2022 10:21 AMTolland, CT, May 16, 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.
Biden Administration Appoints Dr. Emily Cole to Serve as State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Connecticut
Thu May 19, 2022 01:26 PMWASHINGTON, May 19, 2022— The Biden Administration recently appointed Dr. Emily Cole as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Connecticut Farm Service Agency (FSA). Cole joined the Connecticut FSA team on May 16, 2022.
USDA to Provide Approximately $6 Billion to Commodity and Specialty Crop Producers Impacted by 2020 and 2021 Natural Disasters
Mon May 16, 2022 02:15 PMWASHINGTON, May 16, 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.
Connecticut FSA: Farm Service Agency Seeking Loss Adjusters
Thu Apr 7, 2022 08:55 AMTolland, Conn., April 7, 2022 - The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is currently accepting applications from individuals interested in providing contracted crop adjusting services throughout Connecticut for the 2022 crop year. Loss adjuster applications are due Friday, April 29, 2022 and can be submitted in person or by mail to your local county FSA office, or electronically to nathan.wilson@usda.gov.
Deadline Extended to Enroll in 2022 Dairy Margin Coverage and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage
Tue Feb 8, 2022 05:44 PMTolland, Conn., Feb. 8, 2022 – USDA has extended the deadline to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage (SDMC) for program year 2022. The deadline to apply for 2022 coverage is now March 25, 2022. As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts to support dairy farmers and rural communities, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) opened DMC and SDMC signup in December 2021 to help producers manage economic risk brought on by milk price and feed cost disparities.
USDA Announces Inaugural Federal Advisory Committee on Urban Agriculture
Tue Feb 1, 2022 02:00 PMWASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2022 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack selected 12 members to serve on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) inaugural Secretary’s Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture to provide input on policy development and to 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 Builds Pandemic Support for Certified Organic and Transitioning Operations
Thu Nov 4, 2021 01:00 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, Nov. 4, 2021 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide pandemic assistance to cover certification and education expenses to agricultural producers who are certified organic or transitioning to organic. USDA will make $20 million available through the new Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP) as part of USDA’s broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, which provides new, broader and more equitable opportunities for farmers, ranchers and producers.
2021 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Underway
Wed Nov 3, 2021 12:00 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2021— 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 (LAA) for these committee members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. To be counted, producers and landowners must return ballots to their local FSA county office or be postmarked by Dec. 6, 2021.
USDA Provides $1.8 Billion to Offset Market Fluctuations
Mon Nov 1, 2021 01:00 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is in the process of issuing $1.8 billion in payments to agricultural producers who enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2020 crop year. These payments provide critical support to help mitigate fluctuations in either revenue or prices for certain crops. These two USDA safety-net programs help producers of certain crops build back better after facing the impacts of COVID-19 and other challenges.
USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Farmers and Livestock Producers in Connecticut Impacted by Hurricane Ida
Thu Sep 30, 2021 03:03 PM America/New_YorkTOLLAND, Conn., Sept. 30, 2021 – Connecticut agricultural operations have been significantly impacted by Hurricane Ida and related weather events. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover. Impacted producers should contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist in their recovery from crop, land, infrastructure and livestock losses and damages.
Lenders Can Now Apply for New Heirs’ Property Relending Program
Mon Aug 30, 2021 03:30 PM America/New_YorkTOLLAND, Conn., Aug. 30, 2021 – Intermediary lenders can now apply for loans through the new Heirs’ Property Relending Program (HPRP). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications today through October 29, 2021, and cooperatives, credit unions and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for these competitive loans, which ultimately will help agricultural producers and landowners resolve heirs’ land ownership and succession issues.
USDA Updates Pandemic Assistance for Livestock, Poultry Contract Producers and Specialty Crop Growers
Tue Aug 24, 2021 12:00 PM America/New_YorkUSDA Sets October 12 Deadline for CFAP 2
WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2021—The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) for contract producers of eligible livestock and poultry and producers of specialty crops and other sales-based commodities. CFAP 2, which assists producers who faced market disruptions in 2020 due to COVID-19, is part of USDA’s broader Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has set an Oct. 12 deadline for all eligible producers to apply for or modify applications for CFAP 2.
USDA Accepts 2.8 Million Acres for the Conservation Reserve Program
Mon Aug 23, 2021 02:00 PM America/New_YorkTOLLAND, CONNECTICUT, Aug. 23, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has accepted 2.8 million acres in offers from agricultural producers and private landowners for enrollment into the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in 2021. This year, almost 1.9 million acres in offers have been accepted through the General CRP Signup, and USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has accepted over 897,000 acres for enrollment through the Continuous Signup. The Continuous Signup remains open and CRP Grasslands Signup closed last week, so USDA expects to enroll more acres into all of CRP than the 3 million acres that are expiring.
USDA Announces Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers
Tue Jul 20, 2021 10:00 AM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, July 20, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing up to $200 million to provide relief to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that have experienced losses due to COVID-19 as part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Loggers and truckers can apply for assistance through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) July 22 through Oct. 15, 2021. The Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers program (PATHH) is administered by FSA in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service.
USDA Announces Dates for Conservation Reserve Program Grasslands Signups
Mon Jul 12, 2021 02:00 PM America/New_YorkTOLLAND, Connecticut, July 12, 2021 – Agricultural producers and landowners in Connecticut can apply for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands signup from today until August 20. This year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) updated signup options to provide greater incentives for producers and increased the program’s conservation and climate benefits, including setting a minimum rental rate and identifying two national priority zones.
USDA Opens Signup for CLEAR30, Expands Pilot to Be Nationwide
Tue Jun 15, 2021 12:00 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, D.C., June 15, 2021 – Landowners and agricultural producers currently enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) now have a wider opportunity to enroll in a 30-year contract through the Clean Lakes, Estuaries, And Rivers initiative, called CLEAR30. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding CLEAR30 – a water-quality focused option available through CRP – to be nationwide now.
USDA Announces Dates for Conservation Reserve Program General and Grasslands Signups
Mon Jun 14, 2021 02:00 PM America/New_YorkCONNECTICUT, June 14, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has set a July 23, 2021, deadline for agricultural producers and landowners to apply for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup 56. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications for CRP Grasslands from July 12 to August 20. This year, USDA updated both signup options to provide great incentives for producers and increase its conservation benefits, including reducing the impacts of climate change.
USDA to Begin Payments for Producers Impacted by 2018 and 2019 Natural Disasters
Fri Jun 11, 2021 03:00 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, D.C, June 11, 2021 – More than $1 billion in payments will be released over the next several weeks starting June 15 for agricultural producers with approved applications for the Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) Program and for producers who have already received payments through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+). These U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs provide disaster assistance to producers who suffered losses to 2018 and 2019 natural disasters.
USDA Announces New Initiative to Quantify Climate Benefits of Conservation Reserve Program
Tue May 25, 2021 01:00 PM America/New_YorkTOLLAND, CT, May 25, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced an initiative to quantify the climate benefits of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts. This multi-year effort will enable USDA to better target CRP toward climate outcomes and improve existing models and conservation planning tools while supporting USDA’s goal of putting American agriculture and forestry at the center of climate-smart solutions to address climate change.
In Historic Move, USDA to Begin Loan Payments to Socially Disadvantaged Borrowers under American Rescue Plan Act Section 1005
Fri May 21, 2021 12:00 PM America/New_YorkTOLLAND, CONNECTICUT, May 21, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA) today published the first notice of funding availability (NOFA) (PDF, 242 KB) announcing loan payments for eligible borrowers with qualifying direct farm loans under the American Rescue Plan Act Section 1005. The official NOFA will be published in the Federal Register early next week and USDA expects payments to begin in early June and continue on a rolling basis. A subsequent notice addressing guaranteed loan balances and direct loans that no longer have collateral and have been previously referred to the Department of Treasury for debt collection for offset, will be published within 120 days.
USDA Announces Cooperative Agreements for Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction
Mon May 17, 2021 10:00 AM America/New_YorkTolland, May 17, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of up to $2 million for local governments to host Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction (CCFWR) pilot projects for fiscal year 2021. The cooperative agreements support projects that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans and they are part of USDA’s broader efforts to support urban agriculture.
USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (Office) will accept applications on Grants.gov until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 16, 2021. Projects should span two years with a start date of September 25, 2021 and completion date of September 25, 2023.
“Finding ways to turn food waste into nutrient rich compost is a win-win for farmers, communities and the environment,” said Nathan J. Wilson, State Executive Director in Connecticut. “The level of enthusiasm and creativity communities are putting towards this kind of problem solving is inspiring, and USDA is proud to support it.”
USDA Expands Aquaculture Disaster Assistance to Include Fish Raised for Food
Thu May 13, 2021 12:00 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, May 13, 2021— In response to catastrophic aquaculture losses due to major winter storms that hit states along the U.S. Gulf Coast in February, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced a policy change that makes food fish and other aquatic species eligible for the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP). Previously, only farm-raised game and bait fish were eligible for death loss ELAP benefits. Beginning June 1, eligible aquaculture producers can request ELAP assistance for 2021 losses. This policy change is for the 2021 and subsequent program years.
USDA Temporarily Suspends Debt Collections, Foreclosures and Other Activities on Farm Loans for Several Thousand Distressed Borrowers Due to Coronavirus
Wed Jan 27, 2021 10:00 AM ESTTOLLAND, CONNECTICUT, Jan. 27, 2021 – Due to the national public health emergency caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the temporary suspension of past-due debt collections and foreclosures for distressed borrowers under the Farm Storage Facility Loan and the Direct Farm Loan programs administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). USDA will temporarily suspend non-judicial foreclosures, debt offsets or wage garnishments, and referring foreclosures to the Department of Justice. USDA will work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to stop judicial foreclosures and evictions on accounts that were previously referred to the Department of Justice. Additionally, USDA has extended deadlines for producers to respond to loan servicing actions, including loan deferral consideration for financially distressed and delinquent borrowers. In addition, for the Guaranteed Loan program, flexibilities have been made available to lenders to assist in servicing their customers.
USDA Offers New Forest Management Incentive for Conservation Reserve Program
Tue Jan 19, 2021 02:30 PM ESTWASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making available $12 million for use in making payments to forest landowners with land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in exchange for their implementing healthy forest management practices. Existing CRP participants can now sign up for the Forest Management Incentive (FMI), which provides financial incentives to landowners with land in CRP to encourage proper tree thinning and other practices.
USDA and Dairy Farmers Work Together to Mitigate Risk for 2021
Mon Jan 18, 2021 09:00 AM ESTWASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2021 – In an unprecedented year, USDA staff and dairy producers across the country worked together to protect dairy operations for the 2021 production year under USDA’s risk management program options – the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP), and Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy Cattle (LGM) programs. Recent enrollment data for these programs indicate that dairy operations are proactively managing their risk.
USDA Offers Additional Assistance for Certain Producers Through Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
Fri Jan 15, 2021 03:00 PM America/New_York(Washington, D.C., January 15, 2021) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide additional assistance through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), expanding eligibility for some agricultural producers and commodities as well as updating payments to accurately compensate some producers who already applied for the program.
USDA Reminds Fishermen of January 15 Deadline for Seafood Trade Relief Program
Fri Jan 8, 2021 02:00 PM ESTTOLLAND, CT, Jan. 8, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds fisherman of the Jan. 15 deadline to apply for the Seafood Trade Relief Program (STRP), which provides support for fishermen impacted by retaliatory tariffs from foreign governments. For more information on the program, including guidance on how to apply, visit farmers.gov/seafood or call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance.
USDA Seeks Members for Advisory Committee on Urban Agriculture
Wed Jan 6, 2021 12:00 PM ESTTOLLAD, CT, Jan. 6, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking members for a new advisory committee on urban agriculture, part of a broader effort to focus on the needs of urban farmers. The 12-person committee will advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the development of policies and outreach relating to urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices as well as identify any barriers to urban agriculture.
USDA Announces Quality Loss Assistance Now Available for Eligible Producers Affected by 2018, 2019 Natural Disasters
Tue Jan 5, 2021 01:00 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, Jan. 5, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that signup for the Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) Program will begin Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. Funded by the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, this new program provides assistance to producers who suffered eligible crop quality losses due to natural disasters occurring in 2018 and 2019. The deadline to apply for QLA is Friday, March 5, 2021.
USDA Designates Five Connecticut Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon Dec 7, 2020 01:00 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2020 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated five Connecticut counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, New London and Windham counties who suffered losses caused by Tropical Storm Isaias and high winds that occurred Aug. 4 through Aug. 5, 2020, may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.
Apply Now for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2
Thu Nov 12, 2020 03:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2020 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farmers and ranchers that the deadline to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) is Dec. 11, 2020. This program provides direct relief to producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19.
USDA Designates Three Massachusetts Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Thu Oct 29, 2020 02:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, October 29, 2020 - Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated three Massachusetts counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Berkshire, Essex and Nantucket counties who suffered losses caused by recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.
USDA Designates Four Connecticut Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Oct 28, 2020 03:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, October 28, 2020 - Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated four Connecticut counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Hartford, New London, Tolland and Windham counties who suffered losses caused by recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.
USDA Designates Litchfield County, Connecticut, as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Tue Oct 27, 2020 02:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, October 27, 2020 - Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated Litchfield County, Connecticut, as a primary natural disaster area. Producers who suffered losses caused by recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.
USDA Reminds Farmers of September 30 Deadline to Update Safety-Net Program Crop Yields
Fri Sep 25, 2020 03:00 PM America/New_YorkWashington, D.C., September 25, 2020 - USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farm owners of the September 30 deadline to update Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program yields for covered commodities on the farm. This is a one-time opportunity for producers to update yields, which are used to calculate 2020 through 2023 payments.
USDA to Provide Additional Direct Assistance to Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by the Coronavirus
Fri Sep 18, 2020 11:00 AM America/New_YorkWashington, D.C., September 18, 2020 - President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced up to an additional $14 billion for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. Signup for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) will begin September 21 and run through December 11, 2020.
USDA Supports U.S. Seafood Industry Impacted by Retaliatory Tariffs
Wed Sep 9, 2020 04:20 PM America/New_YorkTolland, CT, September 9, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide approximately $530 million to support the U.S. seafood industry and fishermen impacted by retaliatory tariffs from foreign governments. The funding will be provided through the Seafood Trade Relief Program and funded through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).
USDA Reminds Farmers of September 30 Deadline to Update Safety-Net Program Crop Yields
Tue Sep 8, 2020 02:45 PM America/New_YorkWashington, D.C., September 8, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farm owners that they have a one-time opportunity to update Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program yields for covered commodities on the farm. The deadline is September 30, 2020, to update yields, which are used to calculate the PLC payments for 2020 through 2023. Additionally, producers who elected Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) should also consider updating their yields.
Deadline Approaching for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
Fri Aug 28, 2020 02:45 PM America/New_YorkWashington, D.C., August 28, 2020 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds farmers and ranchers that the deadline to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) is Sept. 11, 2020. This program provides direct relief to producers who faced price declines and additional marketing costs due to COVID-19.
USDA Announces More Eligible Commodities for CFAP
Tue Aug 11, 2020 03:35 PM America/New_YorkWashington, D.C., August 11, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that additional commodities are covered by the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) in response to public comments and data. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline to apply for the program to September 11th, and producers with approved applications will receive their final payment. After reviewing over 1,700 responses, even more farmers and ranchers will have the opportunity for assistance to help keep operations afloat during these tough times.
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs for Organic Certification
Mon Aug 10, 2020 04:30 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, D.C., August 10, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that organic producers and handlers can apply for federal funds to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Applications for eligible certification expenses paid between Oct. 1, 2019, and Sept. 30, 2020, are due Oct. 31, 2020.
Connecticut FSA: Farm Service Agency Seeking Loss Adjusters
Fri Jul 31, 2020 06:00 PM America/New_YorkTOLLAND, CT, July 31, 2020 – The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is currently accepting offers from individuals interested in providing contracted crop adjusting services throughout Connecticut for the 2020 crop year. Loss Adjuster applications are due August 23, 2020 to the Connecticut FSA State Office.
Farmers in Connecticut Can Now Apply for Financial Assistance through USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
Tue May 26, 2020 02:48 PM America/New_YorkTolland, CT, May 26, 2020 – Agricultural producers can now apply for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which provides direct payments to offset impacts from the 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 across the nation.
March Margin Triggers Dairy Margin Coverage Program Payment
Wed May 20, 2020 02:51 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, D.C., May 20, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced this week that the March 2020 income over feed cost margin was $9.15 per hundredweight (cwt.), triggering the first payment of 2020 for dairy producers who purchased the appropriate level of coverage under the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.
USDA Announces Details of Direct Assistance to Farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
Tue May 19, 2020 04:00 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, D.C., May 19, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today 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.
USDA Accepting Proposals for State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Initiative
Wed May 13, 2020 11:43 AM America/New_YorkTolland, CT, May 13, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is now accepting new or modified proposals from state governments for its State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Initiative. Through SAFE, vital habitat is restored to meet high-priority state wildlife conservation goals. The deadline to submit proposals is June 19.
USDA Announces Cooperative Agreements for Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction
Tue May 12, 2020 10:30 AM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, D.C., May 11 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of $900,000 for local governments to host a Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction (CCFWR) pilot project for fiscal year (FY) 2020. The cooperative agreements will support projects that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste reduction plans. The agreements are offered through USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production.
USDA Announces Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Thu May 7, 2020 01:11 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, D.C, May 6, 2020 –The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of $3 million for grants through its new Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. 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 midnight July 6, 2020.
FSA Reminds Producers of Ongoing Disaster Assistance Program Signup
Mon May 4, 2020 09:30 AM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, D.C., May 1, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has started making payments through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program – Plus (WHIP+) to agricultural producers who suffered eligible losses because of drought or excess moisture in 2018 and 2019. Signup for these causes of loss opened March 23, and producers who suffered losses from drought (in counties designated D3 or above), excess moisture, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, typhoons, volcanic activity, snowstorms or wildfires can still apply for assistance through WHIP+.
USDA Reports Record Enrollment in Key Farm Safety-Net Programs
Fri Apr 24, 2020 10:30 AM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, April 21, 2020 – Producers signed a record 1.77 million contracts for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2019 crop year, which is more than 107 percent of the total contracts signed compared with a 5-year average. USDA also reminds producers that June 30 is the deadline to enroll in ARC and PLC for the 2020 crop year.
Connecticut FSA: Farm Service Agency Seeking Loss Adjusters
Thu Feb 13, 2020 09:14 AM America/New_YorkTOLLAND, CT, Feb. 11, 2020 – The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is currently accepting offers from individuals interested in providing contracted crop adjusting services throughout Connecticut for the 2020 crop year. Loss Adjuster applications are due April 15, 2020 to the Connecticut FSA State Office.
USDA Announces Details of Risk Management Programs for Hemp Producers
Fri Feb 7, 2020 01:23 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, D.C., February 6, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of two programs that protect hemp producers’ crops from natural disasters. A pilot hemp insurance program through Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) provides coverage against loss of yield because of insurable causes of loss for hemp grown for fiber, grain or Cannabidiol (CBD) oil and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage protects against losses associated with lower yields, destroyed crops or prevented planting where no permanent federal crop insurance program is available. Producers may apply now, and the deadline to sign up for both programs is March 16, 2020.
FSA Encourages Producers to Enroll Soon in Agriculture Risk Loss and Price Loss Coverage Programs
Wed Jan 15, 2020 12:30 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, D.C., Jan. 15, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages agricultural producers to enroll now in the Agriculture Risk Loss (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. March 15, 2020 is the enrollment deadline for the 2019 crop year.