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Dairy Margin Coverage Program Provides Critical Support for Dairy Operations
Mon Oct 2, 2023 10:21 AMWASHINGTON – Sept. 29, 2023— The August milk margin triggered the eighth consecutive payment for dairy producers who obtained Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) for the 2023 program year. August’s income over feed margin is $6.46 per hundredweight (cwt.) with projected DMC payments totaling $120 million. To date, including the projected August payments, dairy producers have received more than $1.2 billion in much needed economic support for 2023 and margin forecasts indicate the likelihood of more to come before the end of the calendar year.USDA to Begin Issuing $1.75 Billion to Agricultural Producers Through Critical Emergency Relief Programs
Wed Sep 27, 2023 12:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, 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 Launches Program to Support Agricultural Employers and Farmworkers, Aiming to Increase Economic and Supply Chain Resilience as Part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda
Fri Sep 22, 2023 08:30 AM US/EasternWASHINGTON, 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 Announces Milk Loss Assistance for Dairy Operations Impacted by 2020, 2021 and 2022 Disaster Events
Mon Sep 11, 2023 10:30 AM US/EasternWASHINGTON, 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 Invests in Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Effort in Boston
Thu Sep 7, 2023 12:00 PM US/EasternBOSTON, Mass., Sept. 7, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing approximately $350,000 in a grant to Eastie Farms in Boston for its Eastie Grows: Growing Food, Farms, and Farmers in East Boston program. The project is funded through USDA’s Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) grant program, which last month announced $7.4 million in funding nationwide. The grant will enable Eastie Farms to increase food production, expand food literacy, and build an urban agricultural workforce development program for youth and young adults. This project is the sixth UAIP grant in Massachusetts. Boston is also the site of one of ten new USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) urban county committees, which help with local administration of FSA programs.USDA Offers Disaster Program Flexibilities for Flood-Impacted Producers in the Northeast
Tue Aug 15, 2023 12:00 PM US/EasternAMHERST, MA, Aug. 15, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Risk Management Agency (RMA) have authorized policy flexibilities for key disaster assistance programs and crop insurance to aid Northeast agricultural operations that have been significantly impacted by recent flooding in 2023.USDA Designates 7 Massachusetts Counties Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon Jul 31, 2023 04:00 PMThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.USDA Establishes New Farm Service Agency Urban County Committees in Boston
Tue Jul 25, 2023 03:00 PM US/EasternAMHERST, MA, July 25, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is establishing a new urban county committee in Boston, joining 26 other cities with a committee focused on delivery of USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs to urban producers. County committee members make important decisions on how federal farm programs are administered locally, and this new urban county committee in Boston is part of USDA’s broad support for urban and innovative agriculture.USDA Extends Deadline for Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Until August 11
Fri Jul 21, 2023 03:00 PM US/EasternAMHERST, MA, July 21, 2023 –The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline for the new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) to August 11, 2023. This extension gives Massachusetts 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 MA organic dairy operations sustainable until markets return to more normal conditions.USDA Designates 10 Massachusetts Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Mon Jul 10, 2023 12:00 AM US/EasternFinancial Assistance Application Process Opens for USDA Farm Loan Borrowers Who Have Faced Discrimination
Fri Jul 7, 2023 10:00 AM US/EasternWASHINGTON, July 7, 2023 – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the opening of the financial assistance application process for eligible farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021. Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) directs USDA to provide this assistance. Since the law’s passage, USDA has worked diligently to design the program in accordance with significant stakeholder input.
Urban Producers, Public Invited to Attend August Meeting of Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Thu Jul 6, 2023 03:00 PMWASHINGTON, July 6, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages urban producers, innovative producers and other stakeholders to submit comments for and virtually attend a public meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (Committee) on Aug. 1, 2023.USDA Reminds Agricultural Producers of July 14 Deadline to Apply for Pandemic and Natural Disaster Revenue Loss Programs
Thu Jul 6, 2023 11:00 AM US/EasternAMHERST, MA, 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 Corrections to Emergency Relief Program Policy to More Accurately Reflect 2020 and 2021 Natural Disaster Impacts on Crops Intended for On-Farm Use
Fri Jun 30, 2023 12:30 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON – 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 Reminds MA Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports
Thu Jun 22, 2023 04:00 PM US/EasternAMHERST, MA, June 22, 2023 – Agricultural producers in Massachusetts who have not yet completed their crop acreage reports after planting should make an appointment with their U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) service center before the applicable deadline.Farm Service Agency Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local County Committees
Thu Jun 15, 2023 02:41 PMThe 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 Extends Application Deadline for Revenue Loss Programs to July 14
Fri May 26, 2023 01:30 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, May 26, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline for the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two and Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) to July 14, 2023, to give producers more time to apply for assistance. The original deadline was June 2.
USDA Offers Assistance to Help Organic Dairy Producers Cover Increased Costs
Wed May 24, 2023 12:00 AM US/EasternAMHERST, MA, May 19, 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 Offers Livestock Disaster Program Flexibilities; Responds to Needs Expressed by Producers Hard-Hit by Natural Disasters
Wed May 24, 2023 12:00 AM US/EasternAMHERST, MA, May 24, 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 Previews Emergency Relief Assistance for Agricultural Producers Who Incurred Losses Due to 2022 Natural Disaster Events
Wed May 24, 2023 12:00 AM US/EasternWASHINGTON, 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 Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs of Organic Producers
Mon May 15, 2023 05:30 PM US/EasternAMHERST, MA, 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). Massachusetts 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 01:00 PM US/EasternUrban Producers, Public Invited to Attend April Meeting of Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Thu Mar 30, 2023 02:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Announces Additional Assistance for Distressed Farmers Facing Financial Risk
Mon Mar 27, 2023 04:00 PM US/EasternUSDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program Signup for 2023
Thu Feb 16, 2023 03:00 PM US/EasternAMHERST, MA, Feb. 16, 2023 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin applying for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup starting February 27 through April 7, 2023. CRP is a cornerstone voluntary conservation program offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and a key tool in the Biden-Harris administration’s effort to address climate change and help agricultural communities invest in the long-term well-being of their land and natural resources.
USDA Develops Simplified Direct Loan Application to Improve Customer Service
Tue Feb 7, 2023 02:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, 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 Announces Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Mon Jan 30, 2023 01:11 PMUSDA Announces Additional Assistance for Dairy Farmers
Mon Jan 30, 2023 01:06 PMUSDA Announces Signup for 2023 Assistance for On-Farm Food Safety Expenses for Specialty Crop Growers
Mon Jan 30, 2023 01:03 PM2023 Dairy Margin Coverage Deadline Extended – Jan. 31, 2023, Last Day to Enroll
Thu Dec 8, 2022 03:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, 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 01:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, 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.
Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Open This Week
Wed Nov 9, 2022 11:30 AM US/EasternAMHERST, MA, Nov. 9, 2022 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began mailing ballots this week for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county and urban county committee elections to all eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country. Elections are occurring in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these committee members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. Producers and landowners must return ballots to their local FSA county office or have their ballots be postmarked by Dec. 5, 2022, in order for those ballots to be counted.
USDA Launches Loan Assistance Tool to Enhance Equity and Customer Service
Wed Oct 26, 2022 02:30 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a new online tool to help farmers and ranchers better navigate the farm loan application process. This uniform application process will help to ensure all farm loan applicants receive equal support and have a consistent customer experience with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) regardless of their individual circumstances.
Dairy Producers Can Now Enroll for 2023 Signup for Dairy Margin Coverage
Mon Oct 17, 2022 01:30 PM US/EasternUSDA Seeks Input on New Grant Program to Strengthen Food Supply Chain, Reduce Irregular Migration, and Improve Labor Protections for Farmworkers
Wed Sep 21, 2022 02:30 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, September 21, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is gathering input to help shape a recently announced planned grant program focused on improving the resiliency of our food and agricultural supply chain by addressing labor shortages in agriculture, reducing irregular migration through increased use of legal pathways, and improving labor protections for farmworkers. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will hold three virtual listening sessions on Sept. 28-29 for the new farm labor stabilization and protection pilot grant program, which the Biden-Harris administration announced earlier this year as part of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.
USDA Opens People’s Garden Initiative to Gardens Nationwide
Fri Sep 9, 2022 01:57 PMUSDA Designates Nine Massachusetts Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Aug 31, 2022 08:35 AM US/EasternThis 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 Names Appointees to the Massachusetts Farm Service Agency State Committee
Thu Jun 2, 2022 02:00 PM ESTAmherst, Mass., June 2, 2022- The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced appointees who will serve on the Massachusetts USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee.
Members of the FSA state committee are appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and are responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving program delivery appeals from the agriculture community, maintaining cooperative relations with industry stakeholders, keeping producers informed about FSA programs and operating in a manner consistent with USDA equal opportunity and civil rights policies.
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