Please submit all media inquiries for FSA to FPAC.BC.press@usda.gov.
Dairy Producers in Tennessee Reminded to Enroll in 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage by April 29
Mon Apr 22, 2024 03:00 PM US/EasternNashville, TN, 2024– The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is encouraging dairy producers to enroll by April 29, 2024, for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), an important safety net program that helps offset milk and feed price differences. This year’s DMC signup began Feb. 28, 2024, and payments, retroactive to January, began in March 2024. So far, DMC payments triggered in January and February of 2024 at margins of $8.48 and $9.44 respectively.USDA Partners with FarmRaise to Offer Educational Tools and Resources to Promote Financial Access and Equity for Agricultural Producers
Thu Apr 18, 2024 10:00 AM US/EasternNashville, TN , April 17, 2024 – The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) today unveiled a new, online Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) Decision Tool and farm loan resources available to agricultural producers and cooperators who help producers access USDA disaster assistance, farm loans and other federal farm programs. The new LIP tool and the farm loan informational video resources were developed in partnership with FarmRaise and USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). These tools are now available at www.farmraise.com/usda-fsa.USDA Designates 77 Tennessee Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Fri Mar 29, 2024 09:00 AM US/EasternThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.Applications for USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants Due April 9
Mon Mar 25, 2024 12:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, March 19, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for grants to support urban agriculture and innovative production. Applications for USDA’s Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production grants are due April 9, 2024, via grants.gov.USDA Offers Targeted Farm Loan Funding for Underserved Groups and Beginning Farmers
Wed Mar 6, 2024 02:00 PM EST(NASHVILLE, TN) – March 4, 2024 -- USDA Tennessee Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, John Litz, reminds producers that FSA offers targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to assist underserved applicants as well as beginning farmers and ranchers.Agricultural Producers Have Until March 15 to Enroll in USDA’s Key Commodity Safety Net Programs for the 2024 Crop Year
Tue Mar 5, 2024 09:00 AM ESTNASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 29, 2024 – Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2024 crop year have until March 15, 2024, to revise elections and sign contracts. Both safety net programs, delivered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provide vital income support to farmers who experience substantial declines in crop prices or revenues for the 2024 crop year. In Tennessee, producers have completed 13,564 contracts to date, representing less than 1% of the more than 1.7 million expected contracts in the Nation.USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program General Signup for 2024
Mon Mar 4, 2024 03:00 PM ESTNASHVILLE, Tenn., March 4, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin signing up for the general Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) starting March 4 and running through March 29, 2024. This conservation opportunity gives producers tools to conserve wildlife habitat while achieving other conservation benefits, including sequestering carbon and improving water quality and soil health.
Dairy Producers Can Enroll for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage Beginning Feb. 28
Mon Mar 4, 2024 12:00 AM ESTWASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2024– Starting today, dairy producers will be able to enroll for 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC), an important safety net program offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides producers with price support to help offset milk and feed price differences. This year’s DMC signup begins Feb. 28, 2024, and ends April 29, 2024. For those who sign up for 2024 DMC coverage, payments may begin as soon as March 4, 2024, for any payments that triggered in January 2024.USDA Announces Availability of Low-Interest Physical Loss Loans for Producers Affected by Natural Disasters
Wed Feb 28, 2024 03:00 PM ESTPhysical loss loans through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) can help producers repair or replace damaged or destroyed physical property essential to the success of the agricultural operation, including livestock losses. Examples of property commonly affected include essential farm buildings, fixtures to real estate, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, fruit and nut bearing trees, and harvested or stored crops and hay.Farmers, Ranchers Now Can Make USDA Farm Loan Payments Online
Tue Jan 30, 2024 12:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that most farm loan borrowers will be able to make payments to their direct loans online through the Pay My Loan feature on farmers.gov in early February. Pay My Loan is part of a broader effort by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to streamline its processes, especially for producers who may have limited time during the planting or harvest seasons to visit a local FSA office; modernize and improve customer service; provide additional customer self-service tools; and expand credit access to assist more producers.USDA Reopens Signup for Continuous Conservation Reserve Program
Wed Jan 17, 2024 03:00 PM ESTNASHVILLE, Tenn., Jan. 12, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (Continuous CRP) signup. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages agricultural producers and landowners in Tennessee who are interested in conservation opportunities for their land in exchange for yearly rental payments to consider the enrollment options available through Continuous CRP, which also includes the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) offered by FSA partners.USDA Offers Targeted Farm Loan Funding for Underserved Groups and Beginning Farmers
Wed Jan 17, 2024 02:00 PM ESTNASHVILLE, Tenn., January 11, 2024 -- USDA Tennessee Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, John Litz, reminds producers that FSA offers targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to assist underserved applicants as well as beginning farmers and ranchers.
Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs Receive 2018 Farm Bill One Year Extension, Farmers Can Now Enroll for the 2024 Crop Year
Wed Dec 20, 2023 10:14 AMWASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that agricultural producers can now enroll in the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2024 crop year. Producers can enroll and make election changes for the 2024 crop year starting Dec. 18, 2023. The deadline to complete enrollment and any election change is March 15, 2024.
USDA Reminds Specialty Crop Growers of Deadline to Apply for Assistance for 2023 On-Farm Food Safety Expenses
Wed Dec 20, 2023 09:58 AMWASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds specialty crop growers that assistance is available for producers who incur eligible on-farm food safety program expenses to obtain or renew a food safety certification through the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program. Producers can apply for assistance on their calendar year 2023 expenses through Jan. 31, 2024.
USDA Now Accepting Applications for Farm Loans Online
Wed Dec 6, 2023 01:56 PMWASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched an online application for Direct Loan customers. More than 26,000 customers who submit a Direct Loan application each year can now use an online, interactive, guided application that is paperless and provides helpful features including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet and build a farm operating plan. This tool is part of a broader effort by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to streamline its processes, improve customer service, and expand credit access.
USDA Makes Producer-Friendly Change to 2023 Notice of Loss Requirements for Two Livestock Disaster Assistance Programs
Thu Nov 30, 2023 02:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has waived certain notice of loss requirements for 2023 for the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish (ELAP) and Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). In an effort to streamline assistance to support access to critical 2023 natural disaster recovery assistance, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is waiving the requirement to submit ELAP or LIP notices of loss within a pre-determined number of days for 2023. Instead, producers have the flexibility to submit 2023 notices of loss as soon as possible, once losses are realized, following a natural disaster event or no later than the established annual program application for payment deadlines for each program. FSA county committees are also being asked to re-evaluate 2023 ELAP and LIP late-filed notices of loss to determine if the waiver applies.Tennessee Livestock Producers in 51 Counties May Be Eligible for 2023 Drought Disaster Assistance
Tue Nov 14, 2023 10:30 AM ESTNASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 14, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that ranchers and livestock producers in 51 Tennessee counties can apply for assistance from the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses incurred in 2023.2023 Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Open This Week
Tue Nov 14, 2023 10:00 AM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin mailing ballots this week for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county and urban county committee elections to all eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country. Elections are occurring in certain Local Administrative Areas for these committee members who make important decisions about how Federal farm programs are administered locally. Producers and landowners must return ballots to their local FSA county office or have their ballots postmarked by Dec. 4, 2023, for those ballots to be counted.USDA Designates 29 Tennessee Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Nov 14, 2023 10:00 AM ESTThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.Three Tennessee Employees Awarded Highest Honor in USDA Farm Service Agency
Thu Nov 2, 2023 09:30 AM US/EasternNASHVILLE, Tennessee, Nov. 1, 2023 – Three U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) employees from Tennessee were awarded the FSA Administrator's Award for Service to Agriculture. Don Gray of Morristown, Greg Brooks of Rogersville, and James Welborn of Nolensville were acknowledged with Lifetime Achievement Awards at USDA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 24, 2023.Tennessee Livestock Producers in 20 Counties May Be Eligible for 2023 Drought Disaster Assistance
Thu Nov 2, 2023 09:30 AM US/EasternNASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 1, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that ranchers and livestock producers in 20 Tennessee counties can apply for assistance from the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) for grazing losses incurred in 2023.USDA Designates 20 Tennessee Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Thu Nov 2, 2023 09:00 AM US/EasternThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.USDA to Provide More Than $3 Billion to Commodity and Specialty Crop Producers Impacted by 2022 Natural Disasters
Mon Oct 30, 2023 03:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2023 - The U. S Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide more than $3 billion to commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disaster events in 2022. Eligible impacted producers can apply for financial assistance through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) 2022. The program will help offset the financial impacts of crop yield and value losses from qualifying disasters occurring in 2022.USDA Extends Milk Loss Program Assistance Deadline to Oct. 30
Fri Oct 13, 2023 04:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2023 – The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the application deadline for the Milk Loss Program (MLP) to Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, allowing more time for eligible dairy farmers to apply for much-needed, weather-related disaster recovery assistance.Federal Emergency Management Agency Designates 33 Missouri Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Fri Oct 13, 2023 01:00 PM US/EasternThis Presidential disaster declaration allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.USDA Extends Application Deadline for Discrimination Financial Assistance Program
Thu Oct 12, 2023 10:00 AM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Oct. 10, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture is extending the deadline for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program to January 13, 2024, to give eligible farmers, ranchers and forest landowners more time to apply for assistance. The original deadline was October 31, 2023.USDA to Begin Issuing $1.75 Billion to Agricultural Producers Through Critical Emergency Relief Programs
Fri Sep 29, 2023 12:00 AM ESTWASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it will begin issuing more than $1.75 billion in emergency relief payments to eligible farmers and livestock producers. These much-needed payments are helping farming and ranching operations recover following natural disasters in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
USDA Announces Milk Loss Assistance for Dairy Operations Impacted by 2020, 2021 and 2022 Disaster Events
Mon Sep 25, 2023 05:00 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2023 –The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced Milk Loss Program (MLP) assistance for eligible dairy operations for milk that was dumped or removed, without compensation, from the commercial milk market due to qualifying weather events and the consequences of those weather events that inhibited delivery or storage of milk (e.g., power outages, impassable roads, infrastructure losses, etc.) during calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022. Administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), signup for MLP begins Sept. 11 and runs through Oct. 16, 2023.USDA Invests in Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Project in Chattanooga
Mon Sep 25, 2023 05:00 PM US/EasternCHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Sept. 22, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing approximately $350,000 in a grant to Crabtree Farms in Chattanooga for its Food Access Through Urban Community Gardening program. The project is funded through USDA’s Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) grant program, which last month announced $7.4 million in funding nationwide. The grant will enable Crabtree Farms to increase their land used for urban farming and implement a mentorship program. This project is the second UAIP grant in Tennessee, joining the Alpha-Omega Veterans Services Urban Farm in Memphis.USDA Provides $5 Million in Second Round of Payments to Help Organic Dairy Producers Cover Increased Costs
Mon Sep 25, 2023 04:00 PM US/EasternNASHVILLE, TN, September 22, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing a second round of payments for dairy producers through the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP), providing an additional $5 million to help dairy producers mitigate market volatility, higher input and transportation costs, and unstable feed supply and prices that have created unique hardships in the organic dairy industry. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already paid out $15 million in the first round of payments for eligible producers, bringing total ODMAP payments to $20 million.USDA Launches Program to Support Agricultural Employers and Farmworkers, Aiming to Increase Economic and Supply Chain Resilience as Part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda
Mon Sep 25, 2023 12:00 AMWASHINGTON, D.C., September 22, 2023 – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that agricultural employers can begin to apply for a pilot program designed to improve the resiliency of the food and agricultural supply chain by addressing workforce challenges farmers and ranchers face. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in coordination with other federal agencies, is announcing up to $65 million in grants available for the Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP Program).USDA Updates Livestock Disaster Payment Rate to Assist Producers Hard-Hit by Heat and Humidity
Mon Aug 28, 2023 02:00 AM ESTWASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2023 – The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced today it is updating the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) payment rate to support livestock producers in the Midwest who have lost cattle to the extreme heat and humidity experienced this summer. To help indemnify ranchers to reflect a trend towards higher cattle weights in feedlots, the 2023 LIP payment rate for beef calves over 800 pounds will increase from $1244 per head to $1618, an increase of $374.USDA to Begin Issuing Cost-Share Payments for the Emergency Grain Storage Facility Assistance Program
Tue Aug 8, 2023 03:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is beginning to issue cost-share assistance payments through the Emergency Grain Storage Facility Assistance Program (EGSFP) for approved and funded applications that have met the requirements for partial or final payment. FSA first announced $20 million for this program in March to help producers affected by eligible disaster events from Dec. 1, 2021, through Aug. 1, 2022, that damaged or destroyed large commercial grain elevators in eight Midwest states.USDA Establishes New Farm Service Agency Urban County Committees in Memphis
Fri Jul 28, 2023 12:00 PM ESTNASHVILLE, Tenn., July 26, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is establishing a new urban county committee in Memphis, joining 26 other cities with a committee focused on delivery of USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs to urban producers. County committee members make important decisions on how federal farm programs are administered locally, and this new urban county committee in Memphis is part of USDA’s broad support for urban and innovative agriculture.USDA Accepts Nearly 2.7 Million Acres in Grassland CRP Signup, Successfully Closing the Gap and Bringing CRP Near to Acreage Cap
Thu Jul 20, 2023 09:30 AM ESTNASHVILLE, Tenn., July 19, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting offers for nearly 2.7 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners through this year’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grassland signup. This program allows producers and landowners to continue grazing and haying practices while protecting grasslands and further CRP conservation efforts.USDA Reminds Tennessee Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports
Thu Jun 22, 2023 10:15 AM EST(NASHVILLE, Tenn.), June 21, 2023 – Agricultural producers in Tennessee who have not yet completed their crop acreage reports after planting should make an appointment with their U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) service center before the applicable deadline.Farm Service Agency Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local County Committees
Fri Jun 16, 2023 11:23 AMUSDA Announces Corrections to Emergency Relief Program Policy to More Accurately Reflect 2020 and 2021 Natural Disaster Impacts on Crops Intended for On-Farm Use
Thu Jun 15, 2023 01:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, June 14, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two to provide a method for valuing losses and accessing program benefits to eligible producers of certain crops, including grapes grown and used by the same producer for wine production or forage that is grown, stored and fed to livestock, that do not generate revenue directly from the sale of the crop. These updates ensure that ERP benefits are more reflective of these producers’ actual crop losses resulting from 2020 and 2021 natural disaster events.USDA Accepts More Than 1 Million Acres in Offers Through Conservation Reserve Program General Signup
Tue Jun 13, 2023 01:21 PMUSDA Offers Targeted Farm Loan Funding for Underserved Groups and Beginning Farmers
Tue Jun 13, 2023 10:30 AM EST(NASHVILLE, TN) – June 1, 2023 -- USDA Tennessee Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, John Litz, reminds producers that FSA offers targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to assist underserved applicants as well as beginning farmers and ranchers.USDA Extends Application Deadline for Revenue Loss Programs to July 14
Thu Jun 1, 2023 09:33 AMFederal Emergency Management Agency Designates 3 Tennessee Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Thu Jun 1, 2023 12:00 AM ESTThis Presidential disaster declaration allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.USDA Previews Emergency Relief Assistance for Agricultural Producers Who Incurred Losses Due to 2022 Natural Disaster Events
Wed May 24, 2023 04:30 PM ESTWASHINGTON, May 24, 2023 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced plans to roll out $3.7 billion in Emergency Relief Program (ERP) and Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) assistance to crop and livestock producers who sustained losses due to a qualifying natural disaster event in calendar year 2022.USDA Offers Assistance to Help Organic Dairy Producers Cover Increased Costs
Wed May 24, 2023 04:30 PM ESTNASHVILLE, Tenn.,May 24, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces assistance for dairy producers with the new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP). ODMAP is established to help mitigate market volatility, higher input and transportation costs, and unstable feed supply and prices that have created unique hardships in the organic dairy industry.USDA Offers Livestock Disaster Program Flexibilities; Responds to Needs Expressed by Producers Hard-Hit by Natural Disasters
Wed May 17, 2023 05:00 PM ESTNASHVILLE, Tenn., May 17, 2023 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has provided additional flexibilities and further enhanced disaster recovery assistance provided by the Emergency Assistance for Livestock Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP), Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) and Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) in response to needs expressed by livestock producers across the U.S. who have experienced significant feed, forage and animal losses from natural disasters. These livestock disaster program policy enhancements include an extended June 2, 2023, deadline to submit notices of loss and applications for payment for 2022 losses. The deadline extension and program flexibilities are available to eligible producers nationwide who incurred losses from a qualifying natural disaster event.USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs of Organic Producers
Wed May 17, 2023 04:45 PM ESTNASHVILLE, Tenn., May 16, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will cover up to 75% of the costs associated with organic certification, up to $750 per category, through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Tennessee Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages organic agricultural producers and handlers to apply for OCCSP by Oct. 31, 2023, for expenses incurred from Oct. 1, 2022, through Sept. 30, 2023.USDA Seeks Members for Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Mon May 15, 2023 05:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, May 15, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking nominations for four positions on the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. Nominations will be open to public from May 15, 2023, to July 15, 2023.USDA Renews Borrower Training Agreement with University of Tennessee
Mon May 15, 2023 12:00 AM ESTUSDA Announces Signup for New Rice Production Program
Tue May 9, 2023 12:00 AM ESTWASHINGTON, May 5, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that the Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin sending prefilled applications to rice producers the week of May 8 for the new Rice Production Program (RPP), which will provide up to $250 million in assistance to rice farmers based on 2022 planted and prevented planted acres.
USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Farmers in Tennessee Impacted by Recent Storms and Tornadoes
Mon May 8, 2023 11:30 AM ESTNASHVILLE, Tenn., May 4, 2023 – Agricultural operations in Tennessee have been significantly impacted by recent tornadoes and severe storms that caused widespread and extensive destruction across the state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover in the wake of these disasters.
USDA’s CLEAR30 Offers Producers with Expiring Voluntary Conservation Contracts Longer Term Options
Fri Apr 28, 2023 09:45 AM ESTNASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 27, 2023 – Agricultural producers and landowners with certain expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts can receive additional rental incentives and extend that land’s role in conservation for another 30 years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened the signup period for its Clean Lakes, Estuaries, And Rivers enrollment (CLEAR30) now through July 31, 2023. CLEAR30 is a part of the CLEAR initiative, which prioritizes water quality practices as a part of Continuous CRP enrollment, and is one of several CRP enrollment opportunities. CLEAR30 allows producers and landowners enrolling certain water quality practices to enroll in 30-year contracts, extending the lifespan and strengthening the benefits of important water quality practices on their land. Like other CRP enrollments, CLEAR30 is a voluntary, incentive-based conservation opportunity offered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).
USDA Announces Grassland Conservation Reserve Program Signup for 2023
Tue Apr 18, 2023 01:30 PM ESTNASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 18, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin signing up for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) starting April 17 and running through May 26, 2023. Among CRP enrollment opportunities, Grassland CRP is a unique working lands program, allowing producers and landowners to continue grazing and haying practices while conserving grasslands and promoting plant and animal biodiversity as well as healthier soil.
USDA Announces Additional Assistance for Distressed Farmers Facing Financial Risk
Tue Mar 28, 2023 04:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, March 27, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that beginning in April it will provide approximately $123 million in additional, automatic financial assistance for qualifying farm loan program borrowers who are facing financial risk, as part of the $3.1 billion to help distressed farm loan borrowers that was provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
USDA Announces Sign-up for Cost-Share Assistance for On-Farm Grain Storage in Areas with Limited Commercial Capacity Due to Severe Storms
Fri Mar 10, 2023 09:00 AM ESTNew Program Helps Fill the Need Caused by Damaged Grain Storage Facilities in Kentucky, Minnesota, and South Dakota
WASHINGTON, March 9, 2023 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that producers in counties affected by eligible disaster events in Kentucky, Minnesota, South Dakota, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, and Tennessee can apply for cost-share assistance through the Emergency Grain Storage Facility Assistance Program (EGSFP). The new program provides cost-share assistance for the construction of new grain storage capacity and drying and handling needs, in order to support the orderly marketing of commodities. An initial allocation of $20 million in cost-share assistance is available to agricultural producers in affected counties impacted by the damage to or destruction of large commercial grain elevators as a result of natural disasters from Dec. 1, 2021, to Aug. 1, 2022. The application period opens later this month and closes Dec. 29, 2023.
Agricultural Producers Have Until March 15 to Enroll in USDA’s Key Commodity Safety Net Programs
Wed Mar 8, 2023 03:00 PM ESTNashville, Tennessee, March 7, 2023 – Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2023 crop year have until March 15, 2023, to elect and enroll a contract.
USDA Releases Nationwide Farmer, Rancher and Forest Manager Prospective Customer Survey
Wed Mar 8, 2023 03:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2022 – Producers can now take a nationwide survey to help the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) improve and increase access to its programs and services for America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest managers. The survey includes new and existing customers. USDA encourages all agricultural producers to take the survey, especially those who have not worked with USDA previously.
USDA Encourages Rice Farmers to Prepare for new Rice Production Program
Wed Mar 1, 2023 05:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today previewed plans to provide up to $250 million in assistance to rice farmers and what steps they can take to be prepared to sign up when the program is released later this spring.
USDA Offers Targeted Farm Loan Funding for Underserved Groups and Beginning Farmers
Wed Mar 1, 2023 04:30 PM EST(NASHVILLE, TN) – March 1, 2023 -- USDA Tennessee Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, John Litz, reminds producers that FSA offers targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to assist underserved applicants as well as beginning farmers and ranchers.
USDA Announces Conservation Reserve Program Signup for 2023
Thu Feb 23, 2023 10:00 AM ESTNASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 22, 2023 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can begin applying for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup starting February 27 through April 7, 2023.
USDA Designates 27 Tennessee Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Feb 15, 2023 05:00 PM ESTThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
USDA Develops Simplified Direct Loan Application to Improve Customer Service
Tue Feb 7, 2023 05:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed a simplified direct loan application to provide improved customer experience for producers applying for loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The simplified direct loan application enables producers to complete a more streamlined application, reduced from 29 to 13 pages.
Urban Producers, Public Invited to Attend February Meeting of Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Thu Feb 2, 2023 02:30 PM ESTWASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages urban producers, innovative producers and other stakeholders to virtually attend the fourth public meeting of the Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (Committee) on Feb. 23, 2023.
USDA Announces Grants for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production
Fri Jan 27, 2023 11:30 AM ESTWASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making available up to $7.5 million for grants through its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). The competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories, Planning Projects and Implementation Projects.
USDA Announces Additional Assistance for Dairy Farmers
Tue Jan 24, 2023 02:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, January 23, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the details of additional assistance for dairy producers, including a second round of payments through the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program (PMVAP) and a new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP).
USDA Announces Signup for 2023 Assistance for On-Farm Food Safety Expenses for Specialty Crop Growers
Tue Jan 24, 2023 01:30 PM ESTDeadline for Calendar Year 2022 Applications is Jan. 31, 2023
WASHINGTON, Jan. 20, 2023— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds specialty crop producers of available assistance to help cover certain costs of complying with regulatory and market-driven food safety certification requirements.
USDA Reminds Producers of Continuous Certification Option for Perennial Forage
Thu Jan 12, 2023 05:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds agricultural producers with perennial forage crops of an option to report their acreage once, without having to report that acreage in subsequent years, as long as there are no applicable changes on the farm. Interested producers can select the continuous certification option after USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) certifies their acreage report.
USDA Expands Eligibility, Enhances Benefits for Key Disaster Programs
Thu Jan 12, 2023 05:00 PM ESTPolicy changes will help more producers recover from natural disasters
WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made updates to several conservation, livestock and crop disaster assistance programs to give more farmers, ranchers, and tribes the opportunity to apply for and access programs that support recovery following natural disasters.
USDA Announces Major Program Improvements, Progress, and Investments to Benefit American Farmers, Ranchers, and Producers
Tue Jan 10, 2023 01:30 PM ESTSAN JUAN, P.R., January 9, 2023 — Today, at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced several major developments at the U.S. Department of Agriculture that will benefit farmers, ranchers and producers across the nation.
TN State News Release: USDA Offers Targeted Farm L
Tue Dec 20, 2022 01:00 PM EST(NASHVILLE, TN) – December 12, 2022 -- USDA Tennessee Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, John Litz, reminds producers that FSA offers targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to assist underserved applicants as well as beginning farmers and ranchers.
2023 Dairy Margin Coverage Deadline Extended – Jan. 31, 2023, Last Day to Enroll
Thu Dec 8, 2022 04:30 PM ESTWASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2022 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended the deadline for producers to enroll in Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage (SDMC) for program year 2023 to Jan. 31, 2023.
001: USDA Designates Seven Kentucky Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Nov 30, 2022 01:00 PM ESTThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
002: USDA Designates Seven Missouri Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Nov 30, 2022 01:00 PM ESTThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
003: USDA Designates Two Tennessee Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Nov 30, 2022 01:00 PM ESTThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
USDA Previews Crop and Revenue Loss Assistance for Agricultural Producers
Wed Nov 16, 2022 01:30 PM ESTWASHINGTON, Nov. 15, 2022 — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced plans for additional emergency relief and pandemic assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA is preparing to roll out the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase Two as well as the new Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP), which are two programs to help offset crop and revenue losses for producers.
Farm Service Agency County Committee Elections Open This Week
Thu Nov 10, 2022 03:30 PM ESTNashville, Tennessee, Nov. 9, 2022 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began mailing ballots this week for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county and urban county committee elections to all eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country. Elections are occurring in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these committee members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally.
USDA Launches Loan Assistance Tool to Enhance Equity and Customer Service
Thu Oct 27, 2022 09:30 AM ESTWASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a new online tool to help farmers and ranchers better navigate the farm loan application process. This uniform application process will help to ensure all farm loan applicants receive equal support and have a consistent customer experience with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) regardless of their individual circumstances.
USDA Provides Payments of nearly $800 Million in Assistance to Help Keep Farmers Farming
Thu Oct 20, 2022 09:30 AM ESTWASHINGTON, October 18, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that distressed borrowers with qualifying USDA farm loans have already received nearly $800 million in assistance, as part of the $3.1 billion in assistance for distressed farm loan borrowers provided through Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The IRA directed USDA to expedite assistance to distressed borrowers of direct or guaranteed loans administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) whose operations face financial risk.
Farmers Can Now Make 2023 Crop Year Elections, Enroll in Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage Programs
Thu Oct 20, 2022 09:00 AM ESTWASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2022 – Agricultural producers can now change election and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage programs for the 2023 crop year, two key safety net programs offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Signup began Monday, and producers have until March 15, 2023, to enroll in these two programs. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has started issuing payments totaling more than $255 million to producers with 2021 crops that have triggered payments through ARC or PLC.
USDA Designates Two Tennessee Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Tue Oct 11, 2022 11:00 AM ESTThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
USDA Seeks Input on New Grant Program to Strengthen Food Supply Chain, Reduce Irregular Migration, and Improve Labor Protections for Farmworkers
Thu Sep 22, 2022 03:30 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, September 21, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is gathering input to help shape a recently announced planned grant program focused on improving the resiliency of our food and agricultural supply chain by addressing labor shortages in agriculture, reducing irregular migration through increased use of legal pathways, and improving labor protections for farmworkers. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will hold three virtual listening sessions on Sept. 28-29 for the new farm labor stabilization and protection pilot grant program, which the Biden-Harris administration announced earlier this year as part of the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection.
USDA Designates Six Tennessee Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas
Wed Aug 31, 2022 12:00 PM ESTThis Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation or the refinance of certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability.
USDA to Mail Additional Pre-Filled Applications to Producers Impacted by 2020, 2021 Disasters
Tue Aug 23, 2022 12:30 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Aug. 18, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced another installment (phase) in assistance to commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disaster events in 2020 and 2021. More than 18,000 producers will soon receive new or updated pre-filled disaster applications to offset eligible crop losses. Approximately $6.4 billion has already been distributed to 165,000 producers through USDA’s Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Emergency Relief Program (ERP).
USDA Announces First Three Lenders for Heirs’ Property Relending Program
Fri Aug 19, 2022 09:30 AM US/EasternNASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, Aug. 18, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Akiptan, Inc., the Cherokee Nation Economic Development Trust Authority (CNEDTA) and the Shared Capital Cooperative have been approved or conditionally approved as intermediary lenders through the Heirs’ Property Relending Program (HPRP). Once HPRP loans with these lenders close, these lenders will help agricultural producers and landowners resolve heirs’ land ownership and succession issues. Additionally, USDA encourages more intermediary lenders, including cooperatives, credit unions and nonprofit organizations to apply. Currently, more than $100 million of HPRP funding is available for these competitive loans.
Streamlined Delivery of Emergency Relief Programs Is Win-Win for USDA and Agricultural Producers
Fri Aug 5, 2022 01:00 PM ESTWASHINGTON, Aug. 4, 2022 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has processed more than 255,000 applications for the new Emergency Relief Program (ERP). USDA has made approximately $6.1 billion, to date, in payments to commodity and specialty crop producers to help offset eligible losses from qualifying 2020 and 2021 natural disasters. By breaking-down agency barriers, using existing data across USDA and pre-filled applications, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in cooperation with the Risk Management Agency (RMA) has been able to expediently provide economic relief and save producers and staff over a million hours of time.
USDA Names Appointees to the Tennessee Farm Service Agency State Committee
Fri Aug 5, 2022 12:00 AM ESTNashville, Tenn., Aug. 5, 2022- The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced appointees who will serve on the Tennessee USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee.
Members of the FSA state committee are appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and are responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving program delivery appeals from the agriculture community, maintaining cooperative relations with industry stakeholders, keeping producers informed about FSA programs and operating in a manner consistent with USDA equal opportunity and civil rights policies.
USDA Begins Issuing Payments for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program
Tue Jul 26, 2022 10:30 AM ESTWASHINGTON, July 26, 2022— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is increasing the amount of funding available for the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP) and expects to issue approximately $62.8 million in pandemic assistance payments to hog producers starting this week. SMHPP assists eligible producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale from April 16, 2020, through Sept. 1, 2020. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) accepted SMHPP applications through April 29, 2022.
USDA Accepts More than 3.1 Million Acres in Grassland CRP Signup
Tue Jul 12, 2022 03:00 PM ESTNASHVILLE, Tenn., July 12, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting offers for more than 3.1 million acres from agricultural producers and private landowners through this year’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grassland Signup, the highest in history. The signup’s results include more than 1,500 acres in Tennessee. This program allows producers and landowners to continue grazing and haying practices while protecting grasslands and promoting plant and animal biodiversity and conservation, and it’s part of the Biden-Harris administration’s broader effort to address climate change and to conserve natural resources.
To Date, USDA Has Issued $24.1 Million in Emergency Relief Program Payments to Tennessee Agricultural Producers
Thu Jun 30, 2022 10:00 AM US/EasternNASHVILLE, Tenn., JUNE 29, 2022 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack recently announced, agricultural producers nationwide have already received more than $4 billion through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP), representing nearly 67% of the more than $6 billion projected to be paid through this phase of the program. Eligible producers in Tennessee have received $24.1 Million in funding to date. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) mailed out pre-filled applications in late May to producers with crop insurance who suffered losses due to natural disasters in 2020 and 2021. Commodity and specialty crop producers have until July 22 to complete applications.
USDA Reminds Tennessee Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports
Thu Jun 16, 2022 05:30 PM EST(NASHVILLE, Tenn.), June 16, 2021 – Agricultural producers in Tennessee who have not yet completed their crop acreage reports after planting should make an appointment with their U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) service center before the applicable deadline.
Farm Service Agency Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local County Committees
Wed Jun 15, 2022 03:00 PM ESTNASHVILLE, Tenn., JUNE 15, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is now accepting nominations for county committee members. Elections will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for members. LAAs are elective areas for FSA committees in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction. This may include LAAs that are focused on an urban or suburban area.
USDA to Allow Producers to Request Voluntary Termination of Conservation Reserve Program Contract
Thu May 26, 2022 01:00 PM ESTTENNESSEE, May 26, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will allow Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) participants who are in the final year of their CRP contract to request voluntary termination of their CRP contract following the end of the primary nesting season for fiscal year 2022. Participants approved for this one-time, voluntary termination will not have to repay rental payments, a flexibility implemented this year to help mitigate the global food supply challenges caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and other factors. Today, USDA also announced additional flexibilities for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs of Organic, Transitioning Producers in Tennessee
Tue May 17, 2022 04:30 PM US/EasternNASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, May 16, 2022 – Agricultural producers and handlers who are certified organic, along with producers and handlers who are transitioning to organic production, can now apply for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Organic and Transitional Education Certification Program (OTECP) and Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), which help producers and handlers cover the cost of organic certification, along with other related expenses. Applications for OTECP and OCCSP are both due October 31, 2022.
USDA to Provide Approximately $6 Billion to Commodity and Specialty Crop Producers Impacted by 2020 and 2021 Natural Disasters
Tue May 17, 2022 03:30 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, May 16, 2022 – The U. S Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disaster events in 2020 and 2021 will soon begin receiving emergency relief payments totaling approximately $6 billion through the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) new Emergency Relief Program (ERP) to offset crop yield and value losses.
USDA Accepts 2 Million Acres in Offers Through Conservation Reserve Program General Signup
Wed May 4, 2022 03:30 PM US/EasternTENNESSEE, May 3, 2022 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting more than 2 million acres in offers from agricultural producers and landowners through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) General signup, which included 4084 acres in Tennessee. This is the first of the program’s multiple signups occurring in 2022. With about 3.4 million acres expiring this year, Vilsack encourages producers and landowners to consider the Grassland and Continuous signups, both of which are currently open.
USDA Accepting New or Modified Proposals for Its State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Program
Mon Apr 18, 2022 03:30 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, April 18, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is welcoming new and modified proposals from conservation partners for the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) initiative, a part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) focused on effectively managing wildlife habitat. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has expanded available practices under this initiative in response to feedback from partners.
Farm Service Agency Is Accepting Emergency Forest Restoration Program Applications
Wed Apr 13, 2022 12:00 PM US/EasternNASHVILLE, Tenn., April 7, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director John Litz announced that six Tennessee counties are accepting applications for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) to address damages from the recent tornado.
USDA Encourages Producers to Enroll Grasslands into Special Conservation Reserve Program Signup
Wed Mar 30, 2022 06:00 PM US/EasternNashville, March 30, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages producers and landowners to enroll in the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) starting next week through May 13, 2022. Grassland CRP provides a unique opportunity for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners to keep land in agricultural production and supplement their income while improving their soils and permanent grass cover. The program had its highest enrollment in history in 2021 and is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s broader effort to equip producers with the tools they need to help address climate change and invest in the long-term health of our natural resources.
USDA Updates Eligibility for Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program
Fri Mar 18, 2022 03:30 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, March 17, 2022— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has clarified the definition of a spot market sale and hog eligibility under the Spot Market Hog Pandemic Program (SMHPP), which assists producers who sold hogs through a spot market sale from April 16, 2020, through Sept. 1, 2020. Hog producers will also now be required to submit documentation to support information provided on their SMHPP application. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications through April 29, 2022, which is an extension of the April 15, 2022, deadline previously set for the program.
New Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture to Meet March 23-24
Wed Mar 9, 2022 01:45 PM ESTWASHINGTON, March 8, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host the first public meeting of the inaugural Federal Advisory Committee for Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production on March 23-24, 2022. The public – including urban producers– is encouraged to attend.
USDA Offers Targeted Farm Loan Funding for Underserved Groups and Beginning Farmers
Tue Mar 8, 2022 01:45 PM EST(NASHVILLE, TN) – March 8, 2022 -- USDA Tennessee Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, John Litz, reminds producers that FSA offers targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to assist underserved applicants as well as beginning farmers and ranchers.