Please submit all media inquiries for FSA to FPAC.BC.press@usda.gov.
USDA to Begin Issuing $1.75 Billion to Agricultural Producers Through Critical Emergency Relief Programs
Wed Sep 27, 2023 11:00 AM ESTWASHINGTON, D.C., Sept. 27, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it will begin issuing more than $1.75 billion in emergency relief payments to eligible farmers and livestock producers. These much-needed payments are helping farming and ranching operations recover following natural disasters in 2020, 2021 and 2022.USDA Announces Additional Program Payment for Rice Producers in Florida
Tue Sep 26, 2023 01:48 PM ESTGAINESVILLE, FL, Sept. 26, 2023— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that rice producers will receive an additional payment through the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Rice Production Program, which provides up to $250 million in assistance to rice farmers based on 2022 rice acres.El USDA lanza un programa de apoyo a los empleadores y a los trabajadores agrícolas, con el objetivo de aumentar la resiliencia económica y de la cadena de suministro como parte de la agenda "Invertir en América" del presidente Biden
Tue Sep 26, 2023 01:30 PM ESTWASHINGTON, D.C., 22 de septiembre de 2023- La administración Biden-Harris anunció hoy que los empleadores agrícolas pueden comenzar a presentar solicitudes un programa piloto diseñado para mejorar la resiliencia de la cadena de suministro agrícola y de alimentos al abordar los desafíos de la fuerza laboral que enfrentan los agricultores y ganaderos. El Departamento de Agricultura de EE.UU. (USDA, por sus siglas en inglés), en coordinación con otras agencias federales, está anunciando hasta 65 millones de dólares en subvenciones disponibles para el Programa Piloto de Estabilización y Protección del Trabajo Agrícola (Programa FLSP, por sus siglas en inglés).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
Tue Sep 26, 2023 01:15 PM ESTWASHINGTON, 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).USDA Names Additional Appointee to the Florida Farm Service Agency State Committee
Mon Sep 25, 2023 03:00 PM US/EasternGainesville, Fla., Sept. 25, 2023 - The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announces the appointment of Kevin Rader to serve on the Florida USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee. Each FSA state committee is comprised of three to five members including a designated chairperson. Rader joins three previously appointed Florida FSA State Committee members.USDA Provides $5 Million in Second Round of Payments to Help Organic Dairy Producers Cover Increased Costs
Thu Sep 21, 2023 07:30 AM ESTWASHINGTON, D.C., September 20, 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.El USDA anuncia ayudas por pérdida de leche para operaciones lecheras afectadas por catástrofes en 2020, 2021 y 2022
Fri Sep 15, 2023 08:06 AM ESTWASHINGTON,DC, 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 Offers Disaster Assistance to Farmers and Livestock Producers in Florida Impacted by Hurricane Idalia
Tue Sep 12, 2023 10:00 AM ESTGAINESVILLE, FL, Sept. 12, 2023 – Florida agricultural operations have been significantly impacted by Hurricane Idalia 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.USDA Announces Milk Loss Assistance for Dairy Operations Impacted by 2020, 2021 and 2022 Disaster Events
Mon Sep 11, 2023 12:38 PM ESTWASHINGTON, DC 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 Encourages Ag Producers, Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Idalia
Tue Aug 29, 2023 02:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, Aug. 29, 2023 –The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses in the path of Hurricane Idalia that USDA has programs that provide assistance in the wake of disasters. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices stand ready and are eager to help.USDA Updates Livestock Disaster Payment Rate to Assist Producers Hard-Hit by Heat and Humidity
Mon Aug 28, 2023 07:39 AM ESTWASHINGTON, 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 Extends Deadline for Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Until August 11
Mon Jul 24, 2023 12:43 PM ESTGAINESVILLE, FL, July 24, 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 Florida 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 Florida organic dairy operations sustainable until markets return to more normal conditions.USDA Accepts Nearly 2.7 Million Acres in Grassland CRP Signup
Mon Jul 24, 2023 12:38 PM ESTGainesville, FL, July 24, 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.USDA Invests $7.4 Million in 25 Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Efforts
Mon Jul 24, 2023 12:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, July 24, 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.Enrollment Period Begins for USDA’s Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program
Mon Jul 24, 2023 10:21 AM ESTGAINESVILLE, Fla., July 24, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Florida opened enrollment for the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) for fiscal year 2023. The enrollment period begins July 10 and will run through Sept. 8. The deadline for producers to provide supporting documentation is Nov. 3, 2023.Financial Assistance Application Process Opens for USDA Farm Loan Borrowers Who Have Faced Discrimination
Mon Jul 24, 2023 10:10 AM ESTWASHINGTON, July 24, 2023 – 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.Urban Producers, Public Invited to Attend August Meeting of Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Thu Jul 6, 2023 01:30 PM ESTWASHINGTON, 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 Reminds Agricultural Producers of July 14 Deadline to Apply for Pandemic and Natural Disaster Revenue Loss Programs
Thu Jul 6, 2023 01:00 PM ESTGainesville, FL, 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.USDA Announces Historic Investment in Wildlife Conservation, Expands Partnership to Include Additional Programs
Tue Jun 27, 2023 03:26 PM ESTBOULDER, Colo., June 27, 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
Fri Jun 23, 2023 08:00 AM ESTWASHINGTON, 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.La Agencia de Servicios Agrícolas está aceptando nominaciones de agricultores y ganaderos para servir en los comités locales de condado
Thu Jun 15, 2023 01:50 PM ESTWASHINGTON, 15 de junio de 2023- El Departamento de Agricultura de los EE. UU. (USDA, por sus siglas en inglés) está aceptando nominaciones para los miembros de los comités de condado para las elecciones que tendrán lugar a finales de este año. Además, la Agencia de Servicios Agrícolas (FSA, por sus siglas en inglés) del USDA está presentando una nueva herramienta GIS para facilitar la participación de los productores en los procesos de nominación y elección de miembros de los comités de condado, que toman decisiones importantes sobre cómo se administran localmente los programas agrícolas federales.Farm Service Agency Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local County Committees
Thu Jun 15, 2023 01:40 PM ESTWASHINGTON, 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
Wed Jun 14, 2023 04:40 PM ESTWASHINGTON, 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
Tue Jun 13, 2023 08:00 AM ESTWASHINGTON, June 12, 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. The signup’s results include 780 acres in Florida.USDA Extends Application Deadline for Revenue Loss Programs to July 14
Tue May 30, 2023 10:51 AMUSDA Provides $3 Million to Geographically Disadvantaged Producers for Transportation Costs
Tue May 23, 2023 08:00 AM ESTGAINESVILLE, Fla., May 22, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced nearly $3 million will be issued to almost 1,100 producers through the 2022 Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment (RTCP) program beginning on May 22, 2023. The RTCP reimburses eligible farmers and ranchers outside the contiguous U.S., including those in the Caribbean, for a portion of the cost of transporting agricultural products or inputs used to produce an agricultural commodity over long distances.USDA Offers Assistance to Help Organic Dairy Producers Cover Increased Costs
Mon May 22, 2023 08:23 AM ESTGAINESVILLE, FL, May 22, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces assistance for dairy producers with the new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP). ODMAP is established to help mitigate market volatility, higher input and transportation costs, and unstable feed supply and prices that have created unique hardships in the organic dairy industry. Specifically, under the ODMAP, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is making $104 million available to organic dairy operations to assist with projected marketing costs in 2023, calculated using their marketing costs in 2022.USDA Extends Deadline for Emergency Conservation Program Applications from Florida Producers in 28 Counties
Mon May 22, 2023 08:00 AM ESTGAINESVILLE, Fla. May 22, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline for applications from agricultural producers for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from Hurricane Ian. The application deadline has been extended to July 24, 2023.USDA Previews Emergency Relief Assistance for Agricultural Producers Who Incurred Losses Due to 2022 Natural Disaster Events
Mon May 22, 2023 08:00 AM ESTWASHINGTON, 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
Tue May 16, 2023 04:00 PM ESTGAINESVILLE, FL, May 16, 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 07:30 AM ESTGAINESVILLE, FL May 15, 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). Florida 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
Mon May 15, 2023 02:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, May 15, 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 Announces Signup for New Rice Production Program
Mon May 8, 2023 07:30 AM ESTWASHINGTON, May 5, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that the Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin sending prefilled applications to rice producers the week of May 8 for the new Rice Production Program (RPP), which will provide up to $250 million in assistance to rice farmers based on 2022 planted and prevented planted acres.
USDA’s CLEAR30 Offers Producers with Expiring Voluntary Conservation Contracts Longer Term Options
Wed Apr 26, 2023 04:29 PM ESTGAINESVILLE, FL, 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
Mon Apr 17, 2023 02:30 PM ESTGAINESVILLE, FL, April 17, 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.
Urban Producers, Public Invited to Attend April Meeting of Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Thu Mar 30, 2023 03:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, March 30, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages urban producers, innovative producers and other stakeholders to submit comments for and virtually attend the fifth public meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (Committee) on April 18, 2023.
USDA Announces Additional Assistance for Distressed Farmers Facing Financial Risk
Tue Mar 28, 2023 08:20 AM ESTWASHINGTON, 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 Extends Deadline for Emergency Conservation Program Applications from Florida Producers in 28 Counties
Mon Mar 27, 2023 02:51 PM ESTGAINESVILLE, Fla. March 27, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline for applications from agricultural producers for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from Hurricane Ian. The application deadline has been extended to May 22, 2023.
USDA Highlights Disaster Assistance Available to Florida Producers Impacted by Hurricane Ian
Fri Mar 10, 2023 01:15 PM ESTPolk County, Florida, March 10, 2023 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack yesterday visited a citrus grove in Polk County, Florida to survey the impact of Hurricane Ian and meet with producers impacted by the storm. During the visit, the Secretary highlighted efforts by the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help Florida producers rebuild their operations and increase their bottom lines as they recover from the devastating impact of hurricanes.
Agricultural Producers Have Until March 15 to Enroll in USDA’s Key Commodity Safety Net Programs
Fri Mar 3, 2023 12:30 PM ESTGainesville, FL, Mar 3, 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 Releases Nationwide Farmer, Rancher and Forest Manager Prospective Customer Survey
Fri Mar 3, 2023 11:00 AM ESTWASHINGTON, 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).
USDA Encourages Rice Farmers to Prepare for new Rice Production Program
Tue Feb 28, 2023 09:00 AM ESTWASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today previewed plans to provide up to $250 million in assistance to rice farmers and what steps they can take to be prepared to sign up when the program is released later this spring. USDA is sharing information early so producers can prepare for program signup, which will include a pre-filled application in an effort to simplify and streamline the application process.
USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program Signup for 2023
Thu Feb 16, 2023 03:30 PM ESTGAINESVILLE, FL, 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 Farm Service Agency Makes Policy Exceptions on Key Disaster Assistance Programs for Florida Producers Impacted by Hurricane Ian
Tue Feb 14, 2023 12:30 PM ESTGAINESVILLE, Fla., Feb. 14, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) has authorized policy exceptions for three key disaster assistance programs to aid Florida agricultural operations that were significantly impacted by Hurricane Ian in 2022. These programs include the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP), Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and Tree Assistance Program (TAP).
USDA Develops Simplified Direct Loan Application to Improve Customer Service
Tue Feb 7, 2023 03:40 PM ESTWASHINGTON, 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 04:30 PM ESTGAINESVILLE, FL, 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
Tue Jan 31, 2023 08:00 AM ESTWASHINGTON, 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 04:40 PM ESTWASHINGTON, 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
Mon Jan 23, 2023 01:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, January 23, 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 02:25 PM ESTWASHINGTON, 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 Names Appointees to the Florida Farm Service Agency State Committee
Fri Jan 13, 2023 02:00 PM ESTGainesville, Fla. - Jan. 13, 2023- The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced appointees who will serve on the Florida USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee.
USDA Reminds Producers of Continuous Certification Option for Perennial Forage
Wed Jan 11, 2023 03:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 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.
El USDA amplía la elegibilidad y mejora los beneficios de los principales programas por desastre
Tue Jan 10, 2023 05:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, 10 de enero de 2023 - El Departamento de Agricultura de Estados Unidos (USDA, por sus siglas en inglés) realizó actualizaciones a varios programas de asistencia por desastre de conservación, ganadería y cultivos para dar a más agricultores, ganaderos y tribus la oportunidad de solicitar y acceder a programas que apoyan la recuperación después de desastres naturales. En concreto, la Agencia de Servicios Agrícolas (FSA, por sus siglas en inglés) del USDA amplió la elegibilidad y mejoró los beneficios disponibles para un conjunto de sus programas. Estas actualizaciones proporcionarán una ayuda fundamental a los productores que necesiten reconstruir y recuperarse tras sufrir pérdidas catastróficas de producción e infraestructuras debido a desastres naturales.
USDA Expands Eligibility, Enhances Benefits for Key Disaster Programs
Tue Jan 10, 2023 04:40 PM ESTWASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 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
Mon Jan 9, 2023 12:00 PM ESTSAN JUAN, P.R., January 9, 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 03:20 PM ESTWASHINGTON, 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.
USDA Previews Crop and Revenue Loss Assistance for Agricultural Producers
Tue Nov 15, 2022 04:30 PM ESTWASHINGTON, 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
Thu Nov 10, 2022 09:00 AM ESTWASHINGTON, 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 02:00 PM ESTGAINESVILLE, Florida, 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.
El USDA acepta ahora las solicitudes del Programa de Conservación de Emergencia de los productores de Florida en 28 condados
Sat Oct 29, 2022 02:00 PM ESTGAINESVILLE, Fla. 28 de octubre de 2022 - El Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA, por sus siglas en inglés) está aceptando solicitudes de productores agrícolas para el Programa de Conservación de Emergencia (ECP, por sus siglas en inglés) para hacer frente a los daños del huracán Ian. Las solicitudes deben presentarse antes del 15 de diciembre de 2022.
El USDA ofrece asistencia por desastre y flexibilidad en sus programas a los agricultores y ganaderos de Florida afectados por el huracán Ian
Fri Oct 28, 2022 12:00 PM ESTGAINESVILLE, Florida, 14 de octubre de 2022 - Las operaciones agrícolas de Florida se han visto significativamente afectadas por el huracán Ian y los fenómenos meteorológicos relacionados. El Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA, por sus siglas en inglés) dispone de asistencia técnica y financiera para ayudar a los agricultores y ganaderos a recuperarse. Los productores afectados deben ponerse en contacto con su Centro de Servicios del USDA local para informar de las pérdidas y obtener más información sobre las opciones de los programas disponibles para ayudarles a recuperarse de las pérdidas y daños en los cultivos, las tierras, la infraestructura y el ganado.
USDA Now Accepting Emergency Conservation Program Applications from Florida Producers in 28 Counties
Fri Oct 28, 2022 10:00 AM ESTGAINESVILLE, Fla. Oct. 28, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications from agricultural producers for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from Hurricane Ian. Applications are due by December 15, 2022.
USDA Launches Loan Assistance Tool to Enhance Equity and Customer Service
Wed Oct 26, 2022 02:30 PM ESTWASHINGTON, 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.
USDA Designates Two Florida Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Oct 26, 2022 02:00 PM ESTThis 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.
Farmers Can Now Make 2023 Crop Year Elections, Enroll in Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs
Mon Oct 24, 2022 11:30 AM ESTWASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2022 – Agricultural producers can now change election and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage programs for the 2023 crop year, two key safety net programs offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Signup began Monday, and producers have until March 15, 2023, to enroll in these two programs. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has started issuing payments totaling more than $255 million to producers with 2021 crops that have triggered payments through ARC or PLC.
USDA Provides Payments of nearly $800 Million in Assistance to Help Keep Farmers Farming
Tue Oct 18, 2022 03:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, October 18, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that distressed borrowers with qualifying USDA farm loans have already received nearly $800 million in assistance, as part of the $3.1 billion in assistance for distressed farm loan borrowers provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA directed USDA to expedite assistance to distressed borrowers of direct or guaranteed loans administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) whose operations face financial risk.
Dairy Producers Can Now Enroll for 2023 Signup for Dairy Margin Coverage
Tue Oct 18, 2022 12:00 AM ESTWASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 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 Offers Disaster Assistance and Program Flexibilities to Farmers and Livestock Producers in Florida Impacted by Hurricane Ian
Fri Oct 14, 2022 03:00 PM ESTGAINESVILLE, Fla., Oct. 14, 2022 – Florida agricultural operations have been significantly impacted by Hurricane Ian 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.
USDA Encourages Ag Producers, Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Ian
Tue Sep 27, 2022 04:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2022 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses in the path of Hurricane Ian that USDA has programs that provide assistance in the wake of disasters. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices stand ready and are eager to help.
USDA Announces First Three Lenders for Heirs’ Property Relending Program
Thu Aug 18, 2022 03:00 PM EST5EDTGainesville, Fla., 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 10:51 AMGAINESVILLE, FL, 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.
Streamlined Delivery of Emergency Relief Programs Is Win-Win for USDA and Agricultural Producers
Thu Aug 4, 2022 04:00 PM EST5EDTWASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2022 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has processed more than 255,000 applications for the new Emergency Relief Program (ERP). USDA has made approximately $6.1 billion, to date, in payments to commodity and specialty crop producers to help offset eligible losses from qualifying 2020 and 2021 natural disasters. By breaking-down agency barriers, using existing data across USDA and pre-filled applications, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in cooperation with the Risk Management Agency (RMA) has been able to expediently provide economic relief and save producers and staff over a million hours of time.
Deadline Extended and More Pre-Filled Forms For 2020 and 2021 Disasters on the Way
Wed Jul 27, 2022 04:00 PM EST5EDTWASHINGTON, 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.
Urban Producers, Public Invited to Attend Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Wed Jul 27, 2022 03:26 PMGainesville, Fla., July 27, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages urban producers and others to attend the second public meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production on August 5. The Committee will discuss new urban conservation practices, focus areas and priorities for the Commission, and the new Farm Service Agency (FSA) urban county committees, among other topics.
USDA Begins Issuing Payments for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program
Tue Jul 26, 2022 04:00 PMWASHINGTON, 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 Reminds Florida Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports
Fri Jun 17, 2022 01:00 PM EST5EDTGAINESVILLE, Florida, June 17, 2022 – Agricultural producers in Florida 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 01:59 PMGAINESVILLE, FL, 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 to Provide Approximately $6 Billion to Commodity and Specialty Crop Producers Impacted by 2020 and 2021 Natural Disasters
Thu May 19, 2022 02:00 PM EST5EDTWASHINGTON, 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.
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs of Organic, Transitioning Producers in Florida
Mon May 16, 2022 01:00 PM EST5EDTGainesville, Florida, 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.
USDA Pays $1.6 Million to Producers for Oriental Fruit Fly Program
Fri May 13, 2022 10:01 AMFLORIDA CITY, Fla., May 13, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced more than $1.6 million under the Oriental Fruit Fly Program will be issued to producers affected by the Oriental fruit fly quarantine in Miami-Dade County from 2015 to 2016.
USDA Accepting New or Modified Proposals for Its State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Program
Tue Apr 19, 2022 01:30 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, April 18, 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 Provide Payments to Livestock Producers Impacted by Drought or Wildfire
Fri Apr 1, 2022 10:00 AM US/EasternWASHINGTON, 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).
Farm Service Agency Is Accepting Emergency Forest Restoration Program Applications in Bay, Calhoun, Gulf and Liberty Counties
Fri Mar 25, 2022 12:28 PMGAINESVILLE, Fla., March 25, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Deborah Tannenbaum announced that four Florida counties are accepting applications for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) to address damages from the recent wildfires.
USDA Designates 17 Florida Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Mar 23, 2022 10:17 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.
USDA Updates Eligibility for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program
Thu Mar 17, 2022 01:55 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.
USDA Updates Farm Loan Programs to Increase Equity
Tue Mar 8, 2022 05:00 PM EST5EDTWASHINGTON, March 8, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating its farm loan programs to better support current borrowers, including historically underserved producers. These improvements are part of USDA’s commitment to increase equity in all programs, including farm loans that provide important access to capital for covering operating expenses and purchasing land and equipment.
New Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture to Meet March 23-24
Tue Mar 8, 2022 01:35 PMWASHINGTON, March 8, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host the first public meeting of the inaugural Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production on March 23-24, 2022. The public – including urban producers– is encouraged to attend.
Florida Farm Service Agency Preparing Support for Fire-Affected Counties
Mon Mar 7, 2022 07:00 PM EST5EDTGAINESVILLE, Fl., Mar. 07, 2022 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Florida Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) State Executive Director, Deborah Tannenbaum, announces Bay, Liberty, Franklin, Gulf and Calhoun counties have received preliminary authorization for the implementation of the Emergency Forestry Restoration Program (EFRP).
USDA Extends Deadline for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program
Thu Feb 24, 2022 02:20 PMWASHINGTON, Feb. 24, 2022 — Hog producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale during the COVID-19 pandemic now have until April 15, 2022, to submit their applications for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP). SMHPP, which is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, originally had a deadline to submit applications by Feb. 25, 2022.
Biden Administration Appoints Deborah Tannenbaum to Serve as State Executive Director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Florida
Thu Feb 17, 2022 02:39 PMWASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2022— The Biden Administration recently appointed Deborah Tannenbaum as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Florida Farm Service Agency (FSA). Tannenbaum joined the Florida FSA team on Feb. 14, 2022.
Agricultural Producers Have Until March 15 to Enroll in USDA’s Key Commodity Safety Net Programs
Thu Feb 17, 2022 11:54 AMWASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2022 – Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2022 crop year have until March 15, 2022, to sign 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 Designates Six Georgia Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Thu Feb 10, 2022 07:14 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.
Deadline Extended to Enroll in 2022 Dairy Margin Coverage and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage
Tue Feb 8, 2022 04:00 PM EST5EDTGAINESVILLE, Fla., 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 PM EST5EDTWASHINGTON, 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 Announces Conservation Reserve Program Signups for 2022
Wed Jan 26, 2022 01:51 PMFLORIDA, Jan. 26, 2022 – Agricultural producers and landowners can sign up soon for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), a cornerstone conservation program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and a key tool in the Biden-Harris Administration effort to address climate change and achieve other natural resource benefits. The General CRP signup will run from Jan. 31 to March 11, and the Grassland CRP signup will run from April 4 to May 13.
USDA Designates Two Florida Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Jan 25, 2022 09:58 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.
Deadline Extended to Apply for Pandemic Support for Certified Organic and Transitioning Operations
Tue Dec 21, 2021 12:21 PMWASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline for agricultural producers who are certified organic, or transitioning to organic, to apply for the Organic and Transitional Education and Certification Program (OTECP). This program provides pandemic assistance to cover certification and education expenses. The deadline to apply for 2020 and 2021 eligible expenses is now Feb. 4, 2022, rather than the original deadline of Jan. 7, 2022.
USDA Expands Partnerships for Conservation Through Its Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Mon Dec 20, 2021 10:36 AMWASHINGTON, Dec. 20, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is leveraging its authorities under the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) to bring in new types of partners and ultimately expand opportunities in voluntary conservation for the Nation’s agricultural producers and private landowners. In direct response to feedback from state agencies, Tribes, non-profits and other groups, USDA has updated CREP’s rule regarding matching fund requirements, and invested in additional staff to work directly with partners for streamlined, partner-driven conservation efforts.
USDA Designates Seven Alabama Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon Dec 13, 2021 02:17 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 Provides Additional Pandemic Assistance to Hog Producers
Mon Dec 13, 2021 12:48 PMWASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a new program to assist hog producers who sold hogs through a negotiated sale during the period in which these producers faced the greatest reduction in market prices due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP) is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative and addresses gaps in previous assistance for hog producers. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications Dec. 15, 2021 through Feb. 25, 2022.