Pelican State News

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide up to $10 billion in direct payments to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. This initiative, administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), aims to help farmers manage increased input costs and declining commodity prices.

"Producers are facing higher costs and market uncertainty, and the Trump Administration is ensuring they get the support they need without delay," said Secretary Rollins. "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 American Relief Act of 2025 authorizes these economic relief payments based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. To facilitate ECAP delivery, FSA will send pre-filled applications to producers who submitted acreage reports for 2024 eligible commodities soon after March 19, 2025. Producers can also apply online at fsa.usda.gov/ecap or contact their local FSA office once the signup period opens.

Eligible producers must report their 2024 crop year planted and prevented planted acres on an FSA-578 form by August 15, 2025. Applications must be submitted by this deadline as well. Only one application is needed nationwide for all ECAP eligible commodities.

ECAP payments will be issued upon application approval, initially factored at 85% to prevent exceeding available funding. If funds remain, a second payment may be issued. Payments are calculated using a flat rate per acre reported rather than production levels.

For more information on eligibility and payment details or to use an online calculator for payment estimates, producers should visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap.

FSA supports America's farmers by delivering agricultural programs through its network of state and county offices. For further assistance or inquiries about forms like CCC-943 required for participation, producers can contact their local FSA county office.