Five Things Farmers Need to Know About the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP)

LUBBOCK, Texas — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced its planned rollout of $10 billion in economic disaster relief for farmers, including $42.91 per acre of corn. Signups for the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) started Wednesday, March 19, 2025, and will run through August 15, 2025.

There are four ways farmers may complete the application for the program:

  1. Online using a secure login.gov account – available March 19, 2025
  2. In-person at their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) office
  3. Electronically using Box and One-span
  4. By mail with the pre-filled application USDA is mailing to farmers
    *Farmers do not need to wait to receive this pre-filled application to apply*

Five key things to know about ECAP payments:

  1. One application submitted during the March 19-August 15 signup period will cover a farmer’s entire operation.
  2. Except for the new form CCC-943, most farmers who have previously participated in FSA programs will likely have the necessary forms on file for their application. The complete list of required forms is available HERE.
  3. Applications will be processed as they are received.
  4. Initial payments will be factored at 85%.
    • Once the sign-up period ends, USDA will likely provide a second tranche of payments if funds are still available.
  5. There are payment limits for the program:
    • $250,000 limit for individuals or entities with more than 75% of their average gross income from farming for the 2020-2022 tax years.
    • $125,000 limit for individuals or entities (other than a joint venture or general partnership) who earn less than 75% of their average gross income from farming for the 2020-2022 tax years.

USDA ECAP resources are available at farmers.gov, including:

Texas Corn Producers Association diligently advocated for this program alongside fellow agriculture groups. TCPA appreciates the legislators who worked to see this relief was incorporated in the American Relief Act, and the current administration’s effort to rollout the program in a timely, efficient manner.

— Texas Corn Producers

The post Five Things Farmers Need to Know About the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

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