USDA to Open Signup for the Conservation Reserve Program and CRP Grasslands in Early 2021

East Lansing, MI, Nov. 12, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the 2021 signup periods for general Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and CRP Grasslands offers. General signup for CRP will be open from January 4, 2021 to February 12, 2021; signup for CRP Grasslands runs from March 15, 2021 to April 23, 2021. Both programs are competitive and provide annual rental payments for land devoted to conservation purposes.

USDA Offers Microloan Assistance to New Mexico Agricultural Producers for Wildfire Recovery

Albuquerque, NM, Sept. 20, 2022 – The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in New Mexico offers operating microloans to farmers and ranchers directly impacted by the 2022 wildfires. Short-term access to capital through microloans can help producers recover while applications for other available disaster recovery programs are being processed and funds distributed.   

USDA Expands Funding Opportunities for Specialty Crop Growers to Help Offset On-Farm Food Safety Expenses for 2024 and 2025

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2024— The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program to now include medium-sized businesses in addition to small businesses. Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification. The program has also been expanded to include assistance for 2024 and 2025 expenses.

USDA Offers Disaster Assistance to Agricultural Producers in Minnesota Impacted by Heavy Rain and Flooding

SAINT PAUL, Minn., June 27, 2024 – Agricultural operations in Minnesota have been significantly impacted by recent rain and flooding. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has technical and financial assistance available to help farmers and livestock producers recover from these adverse weather events. Impacted producers should contact their local USDA Service Center to report losses and learn more about program options available to assist in their recovery from crop, land, infrastructure, and livestock losses and damages.  

USDA Seeks Input on New Grant Program to Strengthen Food Supply Chain, Reduce Irregular Migration, and Improve Labor Protections for Farmworkers

WASHINGTON, 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.