ECAP - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.

What is the Application Period?

 March 19, 2025 through August 15, 2025

2. 

Can I apply electronically for ECAP rather than applying through regular mail? 

Yes, you can apply using a login.gov (formerly eAuth) account by vising fsa.usda.gov/ecap, or using Box/One-Span.  Applicants can contact their county office for more information on electronic filing.

3.

I understand the payment limitation for ECAP is $125,000.  I had significant losses in 2024, is there a possibility for an increased limitation? 

Yes, you can file optional form CCC-943, 75% of Average Gross Income from Farming, Ranching, or Forestry Certification, if 75 percent or more of your average gross income is from farming, ranching or forestry, for an increased limitation of $250,000. 

4.

What is Average Gross Income? Is that different from average Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)? 

Average Gross Income is not the same as average Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Average Gross Income is referred to as total income by the IRS and is all income derived prior to any adjustments or deductions applied.  

5. 

 I am in an approved double-crop area, and I suffered economic losses on both crops.  How do I pick which crop to include in my application? 

ECAP covers eligible crop acreage for both commodities in an approved double-crop rotation. Acreage from both eligible commodities will be included on the application. 

6.

Is honey eligible for ECAP? 

Honey, wool and mohair are ineligible commodities for ECAP.  

7.

Is prevented planted acreage eligible for ECAP? 

Yes, the prevented planted eligible commodity is eligible at 50% of reported acreage for and a notice of loss filed.

8. 

I have acreage located outside the United States that suffered an economic loss in 2024, is that eligible for ECAP? 

No, ECAP is limited to acreage physically located in the United States and its territories.

9. 

I farm as an informal joint venture.  How would I apply for the ECAP program? 

Informal joint operations do not have a Tax Identification Number, therefore the members of the joint operation would file their applications based on their share of reported acres. 

10.

 Are foreign persons eligible for ECAP?

Unless all the requirements in 7 CFR Part 1400 are met, foreign persons or foreign entities are ineligible.

11. 

Is short-rate wheat eligible for ECAP? I had crop insurance on the wheat, grazed it rather than taking it to harvest, and then I planted those same acres to cotton. 

Yes, if there was an RMA short rate policy in place for 2024 then both the wheat and the cotton acres would be eligible. The application will need to be adjusted.  Applicants should contact their local county office for assistance.

12. 

I grow multi-intended use wheat, it was certified for graze and grain with FSA on my 2024 FSA-578.  How is ECAP eligibility impacted for multi-use covered crops? 

Multiple intended use crop acreage eligibility will be restricted to one intended use.  An eligible producer for ECAP purposes is one who had responsibility for input expenses in the crop.  

• If multiple intended use were reported by two or more different producers, the producer(s) not responsible for the input expenses must adjust the eligible acreage for that commodity on their application to remove those acres.
• If multiple producers shared responsibility for input expenses for the acreage, each producer must adjust their eligible acres to represent a share of those acres that is proportional to their share of the inputs.
• If both intended uses were reported by the same producer, the producer will be paid based on the eligible acres but restricted to a single intended use. 

13.

 I didn’t file an FSA-578 acreage report in 2024, am I still eligible for the ECAP program? 

Yes, late-filed acreage reporting is available for ECAP purposes until the August 15, 2025, program deadline. 

14. 

 Do we have to wait until signup is over before payments are made?  

No, payments will be processed as soon as signed applications are received and approved.  

15.

Why am I only getting 85% of my payment? 

ECAP payments are prorated by 85% to ensure that payments do not exceed the available funding.  If additional funding remains available after ECAP payments are issued, FSA may issue an additional payment.