AFBF Highlights New Relief Program Available For Farmers

The USDA is opening the signup period for the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program for farmers and ranchers.

“Farmers and ranchers who received a Crop Insurance or non-insured disaster assistance program payment for 2023 and 2024 for a qualifying disaster, which includes drought, floods, freezes, wildfires, might be eligible for stage one of USDA’s new Supplemental Disaster Relief Program," said Danny Much, economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation.  "They must meet standard USDA income and conservation rules and haven't already received a 2022 ER payment for the same crop year.”

He said the funding for the assistance comes from a Congressional mandate.

Pre-Filled Applications Will Be Sent Out Soon

“So, the $16 billion in aid for this program comes from the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2025, which was passed by Congress at the end of last year, and this announcement is only stage one, and the funding will be used across both stage one and stage two, when eventually stage two is announced.”

FSA will mail pre-filled applications to eligible farmers based on existing crop insurance records.  Farmers can also contact their local FSA office to get the form.

Munch noted producers must complete and return the signed form and make sure all that paperwork is filled out and on file.  In addition, they must also commit to keeping Crop Insurance or NAP Coverage for the next two years.

Learn more by visiting your Local FSA office.

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