Inflation Reduction Act Assistance for Distressed Borrowers 

Since October 2022, USDA has provided approximately $1.5 billion in immediate assistance to more than 24,000 financially distressed direct and guaranteed FSA loan borrowers through the Inflation Reduction Act. 

FSA is currently accepting individual requests for assistance from borrowers who took certain extraordinary measures to avoid delinquency on their direct FSA loans, missed a recent installment, or are unable to make their next scheduled installment. 

For more information on eligibility, or to submit a request for assistance, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center or visit farmers.gov/inflation-reduction-investments/assistance. 

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Inflation Reduction Act Section 22007 – Discrimination Financial Assistance Program

The Discrimination Financial Assistance Program is a new program, authorized by Section 22007(e) of the Inflation Reduction Act, that will provide financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to 2021.

Details about the program, including an application and e-filing portal, are available at 22007apply.gov. Applicants can also call the free call center at 1-800-721-0970

Filing an application is FREE and does not require a lawyer. The application period is open and runs through January 13, 2024.

Reminder of Inflation Reduction Act Assistance for Qualifying Direct Farm Loan Programs Borrowers

FSA borrowers who have concerns about making their upcoming direct FSA loan installment payment or who have already missed a recent installment payment may be eligible for assistance with cash flow concerns. Borrowers can contact their local FSA office or the FSA Call Center at 877-508-8364 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET to inquire about eligibility.

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Dates to Remember  Nov 20 Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) Coverage Deadline for perennial fruits and vegetables including strawberries, asparagus, apples, peaches, etc. Nov 23 Offices Closed for Thanksgiving Day Dec 25 Offices Closed for Christmas Day Dec 31 Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)  Coverage Deadline for Maple Sap and Honey Jan 1 Offices Closed for New Years Day Jan 13, 2024 Deadline to apply for Inflation Reduction Act Section 22007 – Discrimination Financial Assistance Program Jan 15, 2024 Acreage reporting deadline for Apples and Blueberries Jan 30, 2024 Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm Raised Fish Program (ELAP) Notice of Loss and Application for Payment deadline

 

Maine State Committee

Annie Allen, Chair
Ward McLaughlin, Member
Penelope Jordan, Member
Aaron Carroll, Member
William Bullard, Member