USDA accepting applications for farmers seeking relief

By CAMERON ADAMS

cadams@newspost.com

The sign-up period for the Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Commodity Assistance Program opened on Wednesday.

The program made up to $10 billion available to agricultural producers nationwide through the Farm Service Agency, based on the 2024 crop year.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said in a press release that the payments help to ensure “farmers have the resources necessary to manage rising expenses and secure financing for next season.”

“Producers are facing higher costs and market uncertainty, and the Trump Administration is ensuring they get the support they need without delay,” Rollins said.

The press release said the program seeks to aid farmers facing increasing input costs and falling commodity prices.

Farmers will be paid per-acreage rates for crop acres from the 2024 growing year.

Additionally, farmers must have several forms on file with FSA, including Customer Data Worksheet, Farm Operating Plan, Direct Deposit and possibly others.

For eligibility or other questions, the press release recommended contacting the local FSA office.

Rollins made the announcement on Tuesday, National Agriculture Day, which celebrates farmers.

Gov. Wes Moore declared March 19, Wednesday, as Maryland Agriculture Trade Day.

Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks said in a statement that farmers in the state benefit “significantly” from exports.

“The Port of Baltimore is a leader in ag equipment imports and exports and also serves to connect our producers with sales around the world,” Atticks said in the statement.

The USDA sign-up for the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program started on Wednesday based on farmers’ 2024 crop years.

Courtesy of USDA