Farmers can now apply for Emergency Commodity Assistance Program aid to offset crop losses.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expediting efforts to get $10 billion in economic relief payments into the hands of farmers as planting season looms on the horizon.

The USDA opened applications March 19 for the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP), which provides payments to offset losses incurred during the 2024 crop year.

“Producers are facing higher costs and market uncertainty, and the Trump administration is ensuring they get the support they need without delay,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said last week. “With clear direction from Congress, USDA has prioritized streamlining the process and accelerating these payments ahead of schedule, ensuring farmers have the resources necessary to manage rising expenses and secure financing for next season.”

The USDA will mail prefilled applications to farmers who submitted 2024 acreage reports for eligible commodities to the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Farmers also can enroll in person by visiting their local FSA office or apply online at fsa.usda.gov/ecap. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 15. 

Once applications are processed, farmers can expect to see payment deposited in their bank accounts within three business days on average, said Brooke Appleton, USDA deputy undersecretary for farm production and conservation.

Payments will be based on an economic loss formula for planted and prevented planted acres in 2024 for 21 crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum, barley, oats, cotton, rice, peanuts, dry peas, lentils, small chickpeas, large chickpeas, canola, crambe, flax, mustard, rapeseed, safflower, sesame and sunflower. 

The aid was authorized by Congress last December with a 90-day deadline to implement the payments.

Per-acre payment rates are set at $42.91 for corn, $29.76 for soybeans, $77.66 for oats and $30.69 for wheat. Prevented planted acres will be paid at 50% of reported lost acres.

Payment limits are $125,000 per person or entity if less than 75% of your average gross income for the 2020-2022 tax years is derived from farming activities, or $250,000 if more than 75% of average gross income comes from farming.

Initial payments to farmers will be prorated by 85% to ensure total program payments don’t exceed available funding. The USDA may issue a second payment if there are remaining funds.  

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said the aid comes at a critical time for farmers, who face thin margins again this year. 

“We appreciate Secretary Rollins for prioritizing delivery of the first $10 billion in much-needed aid,” said Duvall. 

“It will help farmers who are facing low commodity prices while wrestling with inflation, high interest rates and increased supply costs.”

Appleton said the USDA hopes to have details soon on how it will distribute an additional $20 billion in aid for disasters that occurred in 2023 and 2024.

“We urge USDA to move quickly to distribute the remaining aid approved by Congress, including support for farmers hit hard by natural disasters,” Duvall added. 

“Farmers are committed to growing the food America’s families rely on. This emergency assistance is critical in helping farm families navigate an agricultural economy under severe strain, ensuring they can continue to make ends meet until market conditions improve.”

Farmers can learn more about the application process and eligibility by visiting fsa.usda.gov/ecap or contacting their local FSA office.