Please submit all media inquiries for FSA to FPAC.BC.press@usda.gov.
USDA Accepting New or Modified Proposals for Its State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Program
Mon Apr 18, 2022 12:00 AMWASHINGTON, 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.
“We are committed to offering a strong suite of voluntary conservation options through the Conservation Reserve Program,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “In 2021, we made several updates to CRP to improve program participation and strengthen its climate benefits. As we work to build on those efforts, we’re now encouraging producers to help us strengthen the wildlife benefits of CRP through our SAFE initiative. We encourage government entities, nonprofits, and other groups to take advantage of this unique opportunity to help us manage wildlife habitat, and we are committed to supporting and working with our partners to meet high-priority state conservation goals.”
USDA Offers Maui County Livestock Producers Impacted by Drought Disaster Assistance
Tue Apr 12, 2022 12:00 AMKahului, Hawaii, April 12, 2022 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Maui County today announced that commercial ranchers and livestock producers can apply for assistance from the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses incurred in 2022.
“Drought conditions in Maui County have triggered availability of the Livestock Forage Disaster Program," said James Robello, county executive director. “LFP provides compensation to livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses due to drought. We encourage producers to contact our office for an appointment and to learn what records they need to have on hand in order to apply for assistance.”
USDA Offers Hawaii County Livestock Producers Impacted by Drought Disaster Assistance
Tue Apr 12, 2022 12:00 AMHilo, Hawaii, April 12, 2022 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Hawaii County today announced that commercial ranchers and livestock producers can apply for assistance from the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses incurred in 2022.
“Drought conditions in Hawaii County have triggered availability of the Livestock Forage Disaster Program," said Keisan Tamura, County Executive Director. “LFP provides compensation to livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses due to drought. We encourage producers to contact our office for an appointment and to learn what records they need to have on hand in order to apply for assistance.”
USDA to Provide Payments to Livestock Producers Impacted by Drought or Wildfire
Tue Apr 5, 2022 12:00 AMNew Emergency Livestock Relief benefits to be delivered through two-phased approach; compensation for 2021 forage losses
WASHINGTON, 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).
“Producers of grazing livestock experienced catastrophic losses of available forage as well as higher costs for supplemental feed in 2021. Unfortunately, the conditions driving these losses have not improved for many and have even worsened for some, as drought spreads across the U.S.,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “In order to deliver much-needed assistance as efficiently as possible, phase one of the ELRP will use certain data from the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP), allowing USDA to distribute payments within days to livestock producers."
USDA Updates Farm Loan Programs to Increase Equity
Wed Mar 9, 2022 12:00 AMWASHINGTON, 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.
“USDA remains committed to examining barriers faced by all borrowers, especially those in economic distress, new and beginning, socially disadvantaged or otherwise underserved producers,” said Zach Ducheneaux, Administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). “We recognize loan making and servicing activities are critical for producers, especially in tough times. This improvement to our farm loan programs recognizes the needs of producers and more importantly enacts equitable relief provisions to ensure they get a fair shake.”
New Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture to Meet March 23-24
Wed Mar 9, 2022 12:00 AMWASHINGTON, 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.
“I look forward to working with this new urban agriculture federal advisory committee,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The committee's valuable insights and expertise will provide critical guidance to help us better serve urban agricultural producers, strengthen local food systems, and increase equity and access to healthy, local food.”
USDA Announces Inaugural Federal Advisory Committee on Urban Agriculture
Wed Feb 2, 2022 12:00 AMWASHINGTON, 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.
The new Secretary’s Advisory Committee is part of USDA’s efforts to support urban agriculture, creating a network for feedback. Urban agriculture plays an important role in producing fresh, healthy food in areas where grocery stores are scarce, and also provides jobs and beautifies neighborhoods.
Hawaii Farm Service Agency Announces County Committee Election Results
Mon Jan 10, 2022 12:00 AMHONOLULU, HI, Jan. 10, 2022 —The Hawaii State and Pacific Basin U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced the results of the recent county committee elections.
Roy Wall III will serve in Hawaii County, representing LAA 2.
Raymond Maki Jr will serve in Kauai County, representing LAA 3.
Colleen Lopes will serve in Maui County representing LAA 1.
Ernest Wusstig will serve in Guam County representing LAA 1.
Eugene Ogo will serve in CNMI representing LAA 1, Rota.
Kauai County Livestock Producers Reminded to Report Forage Losses by Jan. 30
Mon Dec 27, 2021 12:00 AMCoverage Available for Eligible Grazing Losses Due to Drought
LIHUE, Hawaii, December 27, 2021 — Kauai County U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Robert Ishikawa reminds livestock producers who suffered grazing losses that occurred throughout 2021 due to drought to report their losses timely and to enroll in the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) by Jan. 30, 2022.
LFP provides compensation to eligible livestock producers who suffered grazing losses for covered livestock due to drought on privately-owned or cash-leased land or fire on federally-managed land. Producers in Kauai County are eligible to apply for 2021 LFP benefits on native pasture or improved pasture. Livestock producers are encouraged to contact the Kauai County FSA Office with any questions regarding specific forage crops that are eligible.
Deadline Extended to Apply for Pandemic Support for Certified Organic and Transitioning Operations
Wed Dec 22, 2021 12:00 AMWASHINGTON, 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.
“We listened to feedback from our stakeholders and are happy to provide organic producers, and those transitioning their operations, enough time to learn about the program and complete the application,” said Zach Ducheneaux, FSA Administrator.
USDA Provides Additional Pandemic Assistance to Hog Producers
Wed Dec 15, 2021 12:00 AMFarm Service Agency Will Begin Taking Applications on Dec. 15
WASHINGTON, 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.
USDA Designates Kauai County, Hawaii, as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Thu Dec 2, 2021 07:07 PMLIHUE, Hawaii, December 2, 2021 - This 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.
Hawaii County Farm Service Agency Emergency Conservation Program Application Deadline Extension Announced
Wed Nov 24, 2021 12:00 AM(HILO, Hawaii), November 24, 2021 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Hawaii County Executive Director Keisan Tamura announces a deadline extension to file applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), the new deadline is January 11, 2022. Applications for the Emergency Conservation Program are to address damages directly affected from the wildfire (disaster ID 1785) which occurred in the Waimea area on July 30, 2021. ECP signup will began on September 13, 2021, and end on January 11, 2022.
The approved ECP practices under this authorization includes the following:
- Debris Removal
- Grading/Shaping
- Fencing Replacement
- Replacement of Conservation Structures (practice eligibility is determined by the Natural Resource Conservation Services)
USDA Builds Pandemic Support for Certified Organic and Transitioning Operations
Thu Nov 18, 2021 01:15 PMWASHINGTON, 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.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, certified organic and transitional operations faced challenges due to loss of markets, and increased costs and labor shortages, in addition to costs related to obtaining or renewing their organic certification, which producers and handlers of conventionally grown commodities do not incur. Transitional operations also faced the financial challenge of implementing practices required to obtain organic certification without being able to obtain the premium prices normally received for certified organic commodities.
USDA Unveils New Climate Partnership Initiative, Requests Public Input
Mon Oct 11, 2021 11:02 PMPublic Comments Due by November 1, 2021
Honolulu, HAWAII, Oct. 11, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is committed to partnering with agriculture, forestry and rural communities to develop climate solutions that strengthen rural America. The Department has outlined and requested public comments on a new climate partnership initiative designed to create new revenue streams for producers via market opportunities for commodities produced using climate-smart practices.
Guided by science, USDA will support a set of pilot projects that provide incentives to implement climate-smart conservation practices on working lands and to quantify and monitor the carbon and greenhouse gas benefits associated with those practices. The pilots could rely on the Commodity Credit Corporation’s specific power to aid in expansion or development of new and additional markets. The Department published a Request for Information (RFI) seeking public comment and input on design of the new initiative.
USDA Announces Recipients of Urban Agriculture Grants and Cooperative Agreements
Wed Oct 6, 2021 12:00 AMTwo Projects Awarded in Hawaii
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2021 – Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the selection of recipients for more than $6.6 million in grants and cooperative agreements through the Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. These grants and cooperative agreements build on $4.1 million in projects funded in 2020.
“As the People’s Department, USDA is committed to assisting all facets of agriculture, including operations in our cities,” USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Acting State Conservationist Chad Cherefko in Hawaii said.
“These projects nourish communities with fresh, healthy food; teach generations the joy and fulfillment of farming and partnerships; and produce environmental benefits by reducing food waste and creating compost that can be used in a variety of farming operations,” USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director Shirley Nakamura said.
Higher Loan Limit Now Available for USDA Guaranteed Farm Loans
Mon Oct 4, 2021 12:00 AMUSDA Extends Disaster Set-Aside for Direct Loans Until 2022
WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing a higher loan limit will be available for borrowers seeking a guaranteed farm loan starting Oct. 1, 2021, from $1.776 million to $1.825 million.
“Farm loans are critical for our customers’ annual operating and family living expenses, emergency needs, and cash flow,” FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux said. “Raising the guaranteed loan limit will allow FSA to better meet the financial needs of producers as natural disasters and the pandemic continue to impact their operations.”
USDA Designates Honolulu County, Hawaii, as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Thu Sep 16, 2021 12:00 AMHONOLULU, Hawaii, September 16, 2021 - The USDA designates Honolulu County, Hawaii as a primary natural disaster area. This 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 Extends Deadline to Apply for Pandemic Assistance to Livestock Producers with Animal Losses
Thu Sep 16, 2021 12:00 AMFarm Service Agency Reminds Producers of Upcoming Pandemic Program Deadlines
WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing additional time for livestock and poultry producers to apply for the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP). Producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing may now apply for assistance for those losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals through Oct. 12, 2021, rather than the original deadline of Sept. 17, 2021. PLIP is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative.
Hawaii County Farm Service Agency is Accepting Emergency Conservation Program Applications
Mon Sep 13, 2021 12:00 AM(HILO, Hawaii), September 13, 2021 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Hawaii County Executive Director Keisan Tamura announced that Hawaii County is accepting applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages directly affected from the wildfire (disaster ID 1785) which occurred in the Waimea area on July 30, 2021. ECP signup will begin on September 13, 2021, and end on November 12, 2021.
USDA Expands Assistance to Cover Feed Transportation Costs for Drought-Impacted Ranchers in Hawaii and the Pacific Basin
Wed Sep 8, 2021 12:00 AMHONOLULU, Hawaii, September 8, 2021— In response to the severe drought conditions in the West and Great Plains, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today its plans to help cover the cost of transporting feed for livestock that rely on grazing. USDA is updating the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) to immediately cover feed transportation costs for drought impacted ranchers. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will provide more details and tools to help Hawaii and Pacific Basin ranchers get ready to apply at their local USDA Service Center later this month at fsa.usda.gov/elap.
Lenders Can Now Apply for New Heirs’ Property Relending Program
Wed Sep 1, 2021 02:16 PM Pacific/HonoluluUSDA Accepts 2.8 Million Acres for the Conservation Reserve Program
Wed Aug 25, 2021 06:17 PMHAWAII, 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 Updates Pandemic Assistance for Livestock, Poultry Contract Producers and Specialty Crop Growers
Tue Aug 24, 2021 12:00 AMUSDA 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.
“We listened to feedback and concerns from producers and stakeholders about the gaps in pandemic assistance, and these adjustments to CFAP 2 help address unique circumstances, provide flexibility and make the program more equitable for all producers,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “The pandemic has had a tremendous impact on agricultural producers, and we have made significant progress since announcing our plans in March. While additional pandemic assistance remains to be announced in the coming weeks, USDA is also ramping up its efforts to make investments in the food supply chain to Build Back Better.”
Biden Administration to Invest $67 Million to Help Heirs Resolve Land Ownership and Succession Issues
Wed Aug 4, 2021 12:00 AM Pacific/HonoluluHONOLULU, HAWAII, July 29, 2021– The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $67 million in competitive loans through the new Heirs’ Property Relending Program (HPRP), which aims to help agricultural producers and landowners resolve heirs’ land ownership and succession issues. Intermediary lenders -- cooperatives, credit unions, and nonprofit organizations – can apply for loans up to $5 million at 1% interest once the Farm Service Agency (FSA) opens the two-month signup window in late August.
After FSA selects lenders, heirs can apply directly to those lenders for loans and assistance. Heirs’ property issues have long been a barrier for many producers and landowners to access USDA programs and services, and this relending program provides access to capital to help producers find a resolution to these issues.
Deadline Fast Approaching for Conservation Reserve Program General Signup
Tue Jul 20, 2021 03:53 PMUSDA Announces Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers
Tue Jul 20, 2021 12:00 AM Pacific/HonoluluFarm Service Agency Will Begin Accepting Applications On July 22
WASHINGTON, 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.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, authorized this critical assistance for the timber industry. Timber harvesting and hauling businesses that have experienced a gross revenue loss of at least 10% during the period of Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2020, compared to the period of Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2019, are encouraged to apply.
USDA to Provide Pandemic Assistance to Livestock Producers for Animal Losses
Tue Jul 20, 2021 12:00 AM Pacific/HonoluluFarm Service Agency Will Begin Taking Applications for Indemnity Program July 20
WASHINGTON, July 13, 2021— Livestock and poultry producers who suffered losses during the pandemic due to insufficient access to processing can apply for assistance for those losses and the cost of depopulation and disposal of the animals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Vilsack announced the Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP) in [recorded] remarks at the National Pork Industry Conference in Wisconsin Dells, WI. The announcement is part of USDA’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Livestock and poultry producers can apply for assistance through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) July 20 through Sept. 17, 2021.
Hawaii and Pacific Basin Producers Have Until Aug. 2 to Submit FSA County Committee Nominations
Thu Jul 15, 2021 02:47 PMHonolulu, Hawaii, July 15, 2021 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages all farmers, ranchers, and FSA program participants to take part in the Hawaii and Pacific Basin County Committee election nomination process.
FSA’s county committees are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA and allow grassroots input and local administration of federal farm programs.
USDA Designates Hawaii County, Hawaii, as a Primary Natural Disaster Area
Thu Jul 15, 2021 12:44 PMHILO, Hawaii, July 15, 2021 - This 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.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor (see http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/), these counties suffered from a drought intensity value during the growing season of 1) D2 Drought-Severe for 8 or more consecutive weeks or 2) D3 Drought-Extreme or D4 Drought-Exceptional.
USDA Announces Dates for Conservation Reserve Program Grasslands Signups
Wed Jul 14, 2021 12:00 AM Pacific/HonoluluHONOLULU, Hawaii, July 12, 2021 –– Agricultural producers and landowners in Hawaii and the Pacific Basin 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.
The CRP Grassland signup is competitive, and USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will provide for annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation purposes.
Enrollment Period Begins for USDA’s Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program
Mon Jul 12, 2021 12:42 PM Pacific/HonoluluProgram Helps Offset Transporting Costs for Farmers and Ranchers Outside the Contiguous U.S.
HONOLULU, Hawaii, July 9, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Hawaii and the Pacific Basin opened enrollment today for the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) for fiscal year 2021. The enrollment period begins July 12 and will run through Sept. 3.
“RTCP helps U.S. farmers and ranchers offset a portion of the cost of transporting agricultural products over long distances,” said Shirley Nakamura, Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director. “This program helps U.S. farmers and ranchers outside the 48 contiguous states who are at a competitive disadvantage when transporting agriculture products to market.”
USDA Announces Listening Session on Impacts of COVID-19 on New Farmers
Tue May 4, 2021 12:00 AM HSTWASHINGTON, May 4, 2021 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a virtual listening session for beginning farmers and ranchers to learn how COVID-19 impacted their farming operations and to get their feedback on USDA assistance. The listening session will take place on May 6, 2021, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Eastern time.
“We invite beginning farmers and ranchers to share their experiences in navigating USDA’s resources for assistance after the pandemic,” said Gloria Montaño Greene, USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation.
USDA Announces Funding Available to Organizations to Assist Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers under Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative
Mon Apr 5, 2021 12:00 AMWASHINGTON, April 5, 2021— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the availability of $2 million to establish partnerships with organizations to provide outreach and technical assistance to socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. The funding was made possible by USDA’s new Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, an effort to distribute resources more broadly and to put greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers impacted by the pandemic. Today also marks the reopening of FSA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) signup as part of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative. Farmers and ranchers will have at least 60 days to apply or make modifications to existing CFAP 2 applications.
Maui County Farm Service Agency is Accepting Emergency Conservation Program Applications
Mon Apr 5, 2021 12:00 AM(Kahului, Hawaii), April 1, 2021 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Executive Director James Robello today announced that Maui County is accepting applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from recent flooding (disaster ID 1780). ECP signup will begin on April 1, 2021, and end on April 30, 2021.
The approved ECP practices under this authorization include removing debris from farmland.
After Identifying Gaps in Previous Aid, USDA Announces ‘Pandemic Assistance for Producers’ to Distribute Resources More Equitably
Wed Mar 31, 2021 03:51 PMUSDA Reopens Program Sign-Up to a Larger Share of Producers with Plans to Expand Outreach and New Programming
Washington, D.C., March 24, 2021 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is establishing new programs and efforts to bring financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and producers who felt the impact of COVID-19 market disruptions. The new initiative—USDA Pandemic Assistance for Producers—will reach a broader set of producers than in previous COVID-19 aid programs. USDA is dedicating at least $6 billion toward the new programs. The Department will also develop rules for new programs that will put a greater emphasis on outreach to small and socially disadvantaged producers, specialty crop and organic producers, timber harvesters, as well as provide support for the food supply chain and producers of renewable fuel, among others. Existing programs like the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) will fall within the new initiative and, where statutory authority allows, will be refined to better address the needs of producers.
USDA Temporarily Suspends Debt Collections, Foreclosures and Other Activities on Farm Loans for Several Thousand Distressed Borrowers Due to Coronavirus
Wed Jan 27, 2021 01:54 PMHONOLULU, HAWAII, 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 Seeks Members for Advisory Committee on Urban Agriculture
Wed Jan 6, 2021 01:00 PM ESTHONOLULU, Hawaii, 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 Issues $1.68 Billion in Payments to Producers Enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program
Thu Oct 15, 2020 12:00 AM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing $1.68 billion in payments to agricultural producers and landowners for the 21.9 million acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which provides annual rental payment for land devoted to conservation purposes.
USDA Supports U.S. Seafood Industry Impacted by Retaliatory Tariffs
Fri Oct 2, 2020 12:00 AM America/New_YorkHonolulu, October 02, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently announced 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 to Provide Additional Direct Assistance to Farmers and Ranchers Impacted by the Coronavirus
Fri Sep 18, 2020 06:28 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, Sept. 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.
Honolulu County USDA Service Center Open for In-Office Visitors by Appointment
Thu Aug 27, 2020 05:27 PM America/New_YorkHonolulu, August 27, 2020 — The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be open to in-person visits during office hours to serve Honolulu County’s agricultural producers during the new “stay-at-home” order starting Thursday, August 27, 2020.
Guam County USDA Service Center Open for In-Office Visitors by Appointment
Tue Aug 18, 2020 11:46 AM America/New_YorkHonolulu, Hawaii, August 18, 2020 - The Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices located at PACAIR's Integrated Cargo Facility will remain open during normal hours to service Guam’s agricultural producers while the Territory is in Pandemic Condition of Readiness 1 for two weeks, which started 12:01 a.m. Sunday, August 16th.
USDA Announces More Eligible Commodities for CFAP
Tue Aug 11, 2020 12:00 AM America/New_YorkWashington, D.C., Aug. 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.
New USDA Survey to Measure Areas for Improvement
Fri Aug 7, 2020 04:35 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a new annual survey of farmers, ranchers and private forestland owners. The survey will help USDA understand what it is doing well and where improvements are needed, specifically at the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA).
Enrollment Period Begins for USDA’s Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program
Mon Jul 13, 2020 12:00 AM America/New_YorkHONOLULU, Hawaii , July 13, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Hawaii State and the Pacific Basin today announced that the enrollment period for the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) for fiscal year 2020 begins July 13 and will run through Sept. 4.
Additional Commodities Eligible for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
Thu Jul 9, 2020 03:32 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, July 9, 2020 – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced an initial list of additional commodities that have been added to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), and that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made other adjustments to the program based on comments received from agricultural producers and organizations and review of market data. Producers will be able to submit applications that include these commodities on Monday, July 13, 2020. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting through Aug. 28, 2020, applications for CFAP, which helps offset price declines and additional marketing costs because of the coronavirus pandemic. USDA expects additional eligible commodities to be announced in the coming weeks.
USDA Announces More Than 1.2 Million Acres Accepted in Recent Signup for Conservation Reserve Program Grasslands
Thu Jul 9, 2020 12:00 AM America/New_YorkHONOLULU, HAWAII, July 9, 2020 – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the acceptance of more than 1.2 million acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands during the recent signup period that began March 16 and ended May 15. The number of acres offered during this signup period was 1.9 million acres, over 3 times the number offered during the last signup period in 2016.
Farm Service Agency County Committee Nominations Open June 15
Wed Jun 10, 2020 12:00 AM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, June 10, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin accepting nominations for county committee members on Monday, June 15, 2020. Elections will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2020 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2020.
USDA Issues First Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Payments
Thu Jun 4, 2020 10:31 PM America/New_YorkWashington, D.C., June 4, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already approved more than $545 million in payments to producers who have applied for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. FSA began taking applications May 26, and the agency has received over 86,000 applications for this important relief program.
FSA Expands Set-Aside Loan Provision for Customers Impacted by COVID-19
Thu May 21, 2020 12:00 AM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, May 21, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will broaden the use of the Disaster Set-Aside (DSA) loan provision, normally used in the wake of natural disasters, to allow farmers with USDA farm loans who are affected by COVID-19, and are determined eligible, to have their next payment set aside. In some cases, FSA may also set aside a second payment for farmers who have already had one payment set aside because of a prior designated disaster.
USDA Announces Details of Direct Assistance to Farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
Tue May 19, 2020 12:00 AM 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 10:00 AM America/New_YorkHONOLULU, HAWAII, 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 Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Wed May 6, 2020 04:12 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, 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.
USDA Announces Payments Set to Begin for 2019 Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program
Fri Apr 3, 2020 12:00 AM America/New_YorkHonolulu, Hawaii, April 3, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Hawaii today announced that fiscal year 2019 payments for the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) will begin on April 6, 2020. State Executive Director AL Frenzel said RTCP will help eligible farmers and ranchers offset a portion of the cost of transporting agricultural products over long distances.
USDA Announces More Than 3.4 Million Acres Selected for General Signup Conservation Reserve Program
Thu Mar 26, 2020 05:33 PM America/New_YorkHONOLULU, HAWAII, March 26, 2020 – Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced the acceptance of more than 3.4 million acres in the general Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) signup recently completed, the first general signup enrollments since 2016. County offices will begin notifying producers with accepted offers no later than April 3.
USDA Designates Two Hawaii Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Mar 18, 2020 09:00 PM America/New_YorkWASHINGTON, March 18, 2020 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated two Hawaii counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Hawaii and Maui counties who suffered losses due to recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.