USDA Fast-Tracks $10 Billion in Relief

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that the USDA will distribute up to $10 billion to farmers and ranchers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. With rising input costs and market uncertainty, this funding is designed to provide critical relief ahead of the next growing season.

What Producers Need to Know

Administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), ECAP payments are based on planted and prevented planted acres for eligible commodities. Producers who have already submitted acreage reports will receive pre-filled applications from FSA. Applications opened on March 19, and eligible farmers and ranchers can apply online or through their local FSA office.

Eligible Commodities and Payment Rates

Payment rates vary by crop. Some of the highest per-acre payments include:

• Oats: $77.66

• Long and medium grain rice: $76.94

• Peanuts: $75.51

• Corn: $42.91

A full list of eligible commodities and payment rates is available at fsa.usda.gov/ecap.

Application Process

Producers must submit an ECAP application by August 15, 2025. Applications can be submitted online, in person, by fax, or electronically. If a producer does not receive a pre-filled application but believes they are eligible, they should contact their local FSA office.

What to Expect Moving Forward

Initial payments will be factored at 85 percent to ensure available funding covers all applicants. If funds remain, a second round of payments may be issued. FSA will begin processing applications immediately to distribute payments as quickly as possible.

Now is the time for eligible producers to confirm all required forms are on file and stay in contact with their local FSA office.

For more information or to apply, visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap.