Honolulu, October 2, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide approximately $530 million to support the U.S. seafood industry and fishermen impacted by retaliatory tariffs from foreign governments. The funding will be provided through the Seafood Trade Relief Program and funded through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).
The program provides direct support to U.S. commercial fishermen who have a valid federal or state license or permit to catch seafood who bring their catch to shore and sell or transfer them to another party. That other party must be a legally permitted or licensed seafood dealer. Alternatively, the catch can be processed at sea and sold by the same legally permitted entity that harvested or processed the seafood. STRP assists U.S. licensed or permitted commercial fishermen for covered species caught in U.S. waters.
Expansion of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Begins Sept. 21
WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2020 – President Donald J. Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced up to an additional $14 billion for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. Signup for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2) will begin September 21 and run through December 11, 2020.
“America’s agriculture communities are resilient, but still face many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. President Trump is once again demonstrating his commitment to ensure America’s farmers and ranchers remain in business to produce the food, fuel, and fiber America needs to thrive,” said Secretary Perdue. “We listened to feedback received from farmers, ranchers and agricultural organizations about the impact of the pandemic on our nations’ farms and ranches, and we developed a program to better meet the needs of those impacted.”
Honolulu, August 27, 2020 — The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be open to in-person visits during office hours to serve Honolulu County’s agricultural producers during the new “stay-at-home” order starting Thursday, August 27, 2020.
The FSA is located at the Airport Industrial Park on Koapaka Street and the NRCS is at the Prince Kuhio Federal Building downtown.
Visitors must call ahead and schedule an appointment. Visitors will be pre-screened based on health concerns or recent travel and must adhere to social distancing guidelines. In accordance with local guidelines, visitors must wear a face covering during their appointment.
Farm Service Agency: (808) 861-8538 extension 2
Natural Resources Conservation Service: (808)-600-2912
Honolulu, Hawaii August 18, 2020 — The Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices located at PACAIR's Integrated Cargo Facility will remain open during normal hours to service Guam’s agricultural producers while the Territory is in Pandemic Condition of Readiness 1 for two weeks, which started 12:01 a.m. Sunday, August 16th.
Visitors must call ahead and schedule an appointment. Visitors will be pre-screened based on health concerns or recent travel and must adhere to social distancing guidelines. In accordance with local guidelines, visitors must wear a face covering during their appointments.
Farm Service Agency: (671) 472-7490 extension 2
Natural Resource Conservation Service: (671) 472-7490 extension 3
Application Deadline Extended to Sept. 11, and Producers Who Have Approved Applications to Receive Final Payments
(Washington, D.C., Aug. 11, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today that additional commodities are covered by the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) in response to public comments and data. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline to apply for the program to September 11th, and producers with approved applications will receive their final payment. After reviewing over 1,700 responses, even more farmers and ranchers will have the opportunity for assistance to help keep operations afloat during these tough times.
“President Trump is standing with America’s farmers and ranchers to ensure they get through this pandemic and continue to produce enough food and fiber to feed America and the world. That is why he authorized this $16 billion of direct support in the CFAP program and today we are pleased to add additional commodities eligible to receive much needed assistance,” said Secretary Perdue. “CFAP is just one of the many ways USDA is helping producers weather the impacts of the pandemic. From deferring payments on loans to adding flexibilities to crop insurance and reporting deadlines, USDA has been leveraging many tools to help producers.”
WASHINGTON, Aug. 7, 2020 – WASHINGTON, August 7, 2020 –The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a new annual survey of farmers, ranchers and private forestland owners. The survey will help USDA understand what it is doing well and where improvements are needed, specifically at the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA).
A selection of 28,000 producers will receive the survey over the next few weeks, but all farmers are encouraged to take the survey at farmers.gov/survey.
Program Helps Offset Transporting Costs for Farmers and Ranchers Outside the Contiguous U.S.
HONOLULU, Hawaii , July 13, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Hawaii State and the Pacific Basin today announced that the enrollment period for the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) for fiscal year 2020 begins July 13 and will run through Sept. 4.
Applications for New Commodities Accepted Beginning July 13
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2020 – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced an initial list of additional commodities that have been added to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), and that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made other adjustments to the program based on comments received from agricultural producers and organizations and review of market data. Producers will be able to submit applications that include these commodities on Monday, July 13, 2020. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting through Aug. 28, 2020, applications for CFAP, which helps offset price declines and additional marketing costs because of the coronavirus pandemic. USDA expects additional eligible commodities to be announced in the coming weeks.
HONOLULU, HAWAII, July 9, 2020 – The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the acceptance of more than 1.2 million acres in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands during the recent signup period that began March 16 and ended May 15. The number of acres offered during this signup period was 1.9 million acres, over 3 times the number offered during the last signup period in 2016.
#LeadYourFSA and be the Voice of Farmers in Your Community
WASHINGTON, June 10, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin accepting nominations for county committee members on Monday, June 15, 2020. Elections will occur in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. All nomination forms for the 2020 election must be postmarked or received in the local FSA office by Aug. 1, 2020.
“I encourage America’s farmers, ranchers and forest stewards to nominate candidates to lead, serve and represent their community on their county committee,” FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce said. “There’s an increasing need for diverse representation, including underserved producers, which includes beginning, women and minority farmers and ranchers.”
(Washington, D.C., June 4, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already approved more than $545 million in payments to producers who have applied for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. FSA began taking applications May 26, and the agency has received over 86,000 applications for this important relief program.
“The coronavirus has hurt America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers, and these payments directed by President Trump will help this critical industry weather the current pandemic so they can continue to plant and harvest a safe, nutritious, and affordable crop for the American people,” said Secretary Perdue. “We have tools and resources available to help producers understand the program and enable them to work with Farm Service Agency staff to complete applications as smoothly and efficiently as possible and get payments into the pockets of our patriotic farmers.”
Set-Aside Delays Loan Payments for One Month
WASHINGTON, May 21, 2020– USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will broaden the use of the Disaster Set-Aside (DSA) loan provision, normally used in the wake of natural disasters, to allow farmers with USDA farm loans who are affected by COVID-19, and are determined eligible, to have their next payment set aside. In some cases, FSA may also set aside a second payment for farmers who have already had one payment set aside because of a prior designated disaster.
“This immediate change of the Set-Aside provision can provide some welcome financial relief to borrowers during this current crisis,” said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “FSA recognizes that some customers may need this option to improve their cash flow circumstances in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.”
Farmers and Ranchers to Receive Direct Support for Losses Related to COVID-19
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 19, 2020 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to this direct support to farmers and ranchers, USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box program is partnering with regional and local distributors, whose workforces have been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat and deliver boxes to Americans in need.
HONOLULU, HAWAII, May 13, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is now accepting new or modified proposals from state governments for its State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Initiative. Through SAFE, vital habitat is restored to meet high-priority state wildlife conservation goals. The deadline to submit proposals is June 19.
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2020 –The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of $3 million for grants through its new Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production. The competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories, Planning Projects and Implementation Projects. USDA will accept applications on Grants.gov until midnight July 6, 2020.
“These grant opportunities underscore USDA’s commitment to all segments of agriculture, including swiftly expanding areas of urban agriculture,” Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey said. “Such projects have the potential to address important issues such as food access and education and to support innovative ways to increase local food production in urban environments.”
Program Helps Offset Cost for Farmers and Ranchers Outside the Contiguous U.S.
Honolulu, Hawaii, April 3, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Hawaii today announced that fiscal year 2019 payments for the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) will begin on April 6, 2020. State Executive Director AL Frenzel said RTCP will help eligible farmers and ranchers offset a portion of the cost of transporting agricultural products over long distances.
HONOLULU, HAWAII, March 26, 2020 – Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced the acceptance of more than 3.4 million acres in the general Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) signup recently completed, the first general signup enrollments since 2016. County offices will begin notifying producers with accepted offers no later than April 3.
Through CRP, farmers and ranchers receive an annual rental payment for establishing long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat on cropland. Farmers and ranchers who participate in CRP help provide numerous benefits to the nation’s environment and economy.
WASHINGTON, March 18, 2020 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated two Hawaii counties as primary natural disaster areas. Producers in Hawaii and Maui counties who suffered losses due to recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.
This natural disaster designation allows FSA to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters. 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.
Disaster Assistance Meetings to be Held Now Through October
HONOLULU, Sept. 12, 2019 — Agricultural producers affected by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019 can apply through the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus (WHIP+). Sign-up for this U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program began Sept. 11.
“There is no doubt that extreme weather has greatly impacted Hawaii’s agricultural producers over the last several years,” said AL Frenzel, executive director for Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Hawaii and the Pacific Basin. “Congress recently passed a disaster relief package which will benefit Hawaii and Pacific Basin producers who have suffered from tropical storms, hurricanes, flooding, volcano eruption and typhoon-caused damages.”
Enrollment Now Open through Dec. 6
WASHINGTON, July 29, 2019 – Signup opens today for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program to assist farmers who continue to suffer from damages because of unjustified trade retaliation from foreign nations. Through MFP, USDA will provide up to $14.5 billion in direct payments to impacted producers, part of a broader trade relief package announced in late July. The sign-up period runs through Dec. 6.
HONOLULU, Hawaii, July 22, 2019 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that farmers and ranchers residing outside the contiguous continental United States may enroll in the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) for fiscal year 2019 began on July 15, 2019. The sign up will run through Sept. 6, 2019.
WASHINGTON, July 17, 2019 – A new online tool can help farmers and ranchers find information on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) farm loans that may best fit their operations. USDA has launched the new Farm Loan Discovery Tool as the newest feature on farmers.gov, the Department’s self-service website for farmers.
Honolulu, Hawaii, July 11, 2019 –USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Hawaii and the Pacific Basin today announced that fiscal year 2018 payments for the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) will begin on July 12, 2019. State Executive Director AL Frenzel said RTCP will help eligible farmers and ranchers offset a portion of the cost of transporting agricultural products over long distances.
WASHINGTON, July 11, 2019 — Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue designated Maui County, Hawaii, as a primary natural disaster area. Producers who suffered losses caused by recent drought may be eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) emergency loans.
WASHINGTON, June 3, 2019 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin accepting nominations for county committee members on Friday, June 14, 2019. Agricultural producers who participate or cooperate in an FSA program may be nominated for candidacy for the county committee. Individuals may nominate themselves or others as a candidate.
WASHINGTON, May 15, 2019 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept applications beginning June 3, 2019, for certain practices under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) continuous signup and will offer extensions for expiring CRP contracts. The 2018 Farm Bill reauthorized CRP, one of the country’s largest conservation programs.
WASHINGTON, May 6, 2019 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that organic producers and handlers can apply for federal funds to assist with the cost of receiving and maintaining organic certification through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP). Applications for fiscal 2019 funding are due Oct. 31, 2019.
Changes apply Beginning April 8, 2019
WASHINGTON, April 8, 2019 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that higher levels of coverage will be offered through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), a popular safety et program, beginning April 8, 2019. The 2018 Farm Bill also increased service fees and made other changes to the program, including service fee waivers for qualified military veterans interested in obtaining NAP coverage.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2019 – Agricultural producers have until Feb. 14, 2019, to sign up for USDA’s Market Facilitation Program (MFP), launched last year to help producers suffering from damages due to unjustified trade retaliation. Producers can apply without proof of yield but must certify 2018 production by May 1, 2019. Since its launch in September 2018, more than 864,000 producers have applied, supporting those hit hard with nearly $8 billion in estimated payments.
(Hilo, Hawaii), September 19, 2018 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Lester Ueda today announced that Hawaii County is approved to accept applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from Hurricane Lane. ECP signup will begin on September 21, 2018, and end on October 23, 2018.
(Kahului, Hawaii), September 19, 2018 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director James Robello today announced that Maui County is approved to accept applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from Hurricane Lane. ECP signup will begin on September 21, 2018, and end on October 23, 2018.
(Washington, D.C., August 27, 2018) - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced details of actions the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will take to assist farmers in response to trade damage from unjustified rtaliation by foreign nations. President Donald J. Trump directed Secretary Perdue to craft a short-term relief strategy to protect agricultural producers wile the Administration works on free, fair, and reciprocal trade deals to open more markets in the long run to help American farmers compete globally.
Honolulu, Hawaii, July 16, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hawaii State and Pacific Basin Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director AL Frenzel today announced to farmers and ranchers residing outside the contiguous continental United States that the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) for fiscal year 2018 will begin on July 16, 2018 and end on September 7, 2018.
WASHINGTON, May 31, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting disaster assistance program applications on June 4 from agricultural producers who suffered livestock, honeybees, farm-raised fish and other losses due to natural disasters.
USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reopening the application period for two disaster assistance programs in response to statutory changes made by Congress earlier this year.
(Dallas, TX, May 31, 2018) - U.S. Secretary f Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Texas A&M's AgriLife Extension Service to help military veterans obtain loans and pursue careers as farmers and ranchers. Secretary Perdue joined local dignitaries, members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and community leaders at the Dallas Farmers Market to unveil the new pilot program.
Giving Farmers a Voice in their Community
WASHINGTON, May 22, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages America's farmers and ranchers to nominate candidates to lead, serve and represent their community on their local county committee. USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) will accept nominations for county committee members beginning Friday, June 15, 2018.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Kauai County in Hawaii as a primary disaster area due to losses and damages caused by record-breaking rainfall, excessive flooding and massive landslides that occurred from April 13, 2018, through April 20, 2018.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced today the appointment of Richard Fordyce to serve as Administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). In his role, Fordyce will provide leadership for FSA and its mission to support agricultural production across America through a network of over 2,100 county and 50 state offices.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2018 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced another year of high activity in its farm loan programs. Hard-working farm families across the country accessed nearly $6 billion in new credit, either directly or guaranteed through commercial lenders in 2017. At year end, FSA was assisting more than 120,000 family farmers with loans totaling just over $25 billion.
Honolulu, Hawaii, Jan. 12, 2018 - U. S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue recently announced the individuals who will serve on the Hawaii USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) state committee. The state committee is responsible for the oversight of farm programs and county committee operations, resolving appeals from the agriculture community, and helping to keep producers informed about FSA programs
WASHINGTON, Dec. 21, 2017 – Through the work of dedicated staff in over 2,100 county and state offices, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides vital farm safety-net assistance to agricultural producers across America.
“We’ve seen recent challenges in farm income and commodity prices,” said Dr. Robert Johansson, Acting Deputy Under Secretary for the Farm Production and Conservation mission area. “The ‘safety net’ provided in the 2014 Farm Bill has helped producers withstand economic losses as well as losses resulting from natural disasters. Loans for operating expenses, farm purchases and other purposes help current producers stay in business and allow a new generation of farmers and ranchers get their start.”
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Kauai County in Hawaii as a primary natural disaster area due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
The county listed above was designated a natural disaster area on Nov. 21, 2017, making all qualified farm operators in the designated areas eligible for FSA’s emergency (EM) loans, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the declaration to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. FSA has a variety of programs, in addition to the EM loan program, to help eligible farmers recover from adversity.
HONOLULU, Hawaii -- Nov. 28, 2017- The Trump Administration recently appointed Allen “AL” Frenzel as the new State Executive Director (SED) for the USDA Hawaii Farm Service Agency (FSA). Frenzel joined the Hawaii FSA team on Monday, Nov. 27.
Frenzel is an entrepreneur who recently owned and operated several businesses in Hawaii, including consulting services in the area of logistics, leadership and business optimization. He is a logistics management professional who previously worked for Defense Logistics Agency on the United States Pacific Command staff after retiring as an Army Colonel with 27 years of active service. He served as a Professor and Director of Logistics Management at the U.S. Army War College. Originally an agriculture student at the University of Nevada-Reno, he obtained his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Texas College and his Master of Science in business administration from Boston University.
Honolulu, Hawaii, Nov. 15, 2017 – Hawaii State and Pacific Basin Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director Steve Peterson today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began mailing ballots to eligible farmers and ranchers for the 2017 FSA County Committee elections on Monday, Nov. 6, 2017. Producers must return ballots to their local FSA offices by Dec. 4, 2017, to ensure that their vote is counted.
(Honolulu, Hawaii), October 31, 2017 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hawaii and Pacific Basin Farm Service Agency (FSA) Active Executive Director Steve Peterson reminds producers that FSA offers specially targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to underserved applicants as well as beginning farmers and ranchers.
“Each year, a portion of FSA’s loan funds are set aside to lend to targeted underserved and beginning farmers and ranchers,” said Peterson. “Farming and ranching is a capital intensive business and FSA is committed to helping producers start and maintain their agricultural operations.”
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Maui County in Hawaii as a primary natural disaster area due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
Farmers and ranchers in Kalawao County in Hawaii also qualify for natural disaster assistance because their county is contiguous.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that it will process many pending eligible offers for land enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and it will temporarily suspend accepting most new offers until later in the 2018 fiscal year.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2017 — In response to a request from Steve Peterson, Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) acting State Executive Director in Hawaii, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Hawaii County in Hawaii as a primary natural disaster area due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought.
Honolulu, Hawaii, July 25, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hawaii State and Pacific Basin Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting Executive Director Steve Peterson recently announced to farmers and ranchers residing outside the contiguous continental United States that the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) for fiscal year 2017 began on July 17, 2017, and ends on Sept. 8, 2017.
WASHINGTON, May 25, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today that the nomination period for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees begins on Thursday, June 15, 2017.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the expansion of a unique service for farmers and ranchers. FSA’s Bridges to Opportunity program provides a one-stop-shop that connects producers with resources, programs and educational services offered across the department, as well as from other USDA partner organizations. Bridges to Opportunity, which currently provides enhanced customer support to more than 150,000 customers in 20 states, will expand to serve customers across the country before the end of the month using fiscal year 2016 funds.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2017 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced cooperative agreements with 46 partners to educate producers, including those who have been historically underserved by USDA programs, about Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs that provide financial, disaster or technical support. Nearly $2.5 million will go to nonprofits and universities that will provide training and access to FSA programs, financial resources and other information.
Allows for Transfer of Certain Conservation Reserve Program Land to New Farmers; Provides Priority Enrollment in Working Lands Conservation Programs
DES MOINES, Iowa, Dec. 29, 2016 – Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary Lanon Baccam today announced that beginning Jan. 9, 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will offer an early termination opportunity for certain Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts, making it easier to transfer property to the next generation of farmers and ranchers, including family members. The land that is eligible for the early termination is among the least environmentally sensitive land enrolled in CRP.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2016 – Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Val Dolcini today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin mailing ballots to eligible farmers and ranchers across the country for the 2016 FSA County Committee elections on Monday, Nov. 7, 2016. Producers must return ballots to their local FSA offices by Dec. 5, 2016, to ensure that their vote is counted.
Honolulu, HAWAII, August 29, 2016 - Farm Service Agency (FSA) has a number of loan programs available to assist applicants to begin or continue in agriculture production. Loans are available for operating type loans and/or to purchase or improve farms or ranches.
Honolulu, HAWAI, July 25, 2016 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hawaii and Pacific Basin Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Diane Ley, today reminded farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers that they have until Aug. 1, 2016, to nominate eligible candidates to serve on local FSA county committees.
WASHINGTON, July 11, 2016 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today signed a proclamation declaring Aug. 7-13, 2016, as "National Farmers Market Week." This year marks the 17th annual National Farmers Market Week to honor and celebrate the important role that farmers markets play in local economies.
WASHINGTON, July 7, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the nomination period for farmers and ranchers to serve on local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees is open for the 2016 election process.
WASHINGTON, April 27, 2016 – The U.S. Department Agriculture (USDA) today announced cooperative agreements with 55 partners to educate farmers and other producers that have been underserved by USDA programs historically about Farm Service Agency (FSA) programs that provide financial, disaster or technical support. Nearly $2.5 million will go to nonprofits, associations, universities, and foundations that will provide training and information on agricultural best practices, local networking opportunities, and more.
WASHINGTON, April 13, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Hawaii County in Hawaii as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, April 20, 2016 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Maui County in Hawaii as a primary natural disaster area due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 19, 2016 — Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin offering farm ownership microloans, creating a new financing avenue for farmers to buy and improve property. These microloans will be especially helpful to beginning or underserved farmers, U.S. veterans looking for a career in farming, and those who have small and mid-sized farming operations.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22, 2015 – This year, millions of rural businesses and families were positively impacted by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) investments in their communities. Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released a list of USDA's top achievements in 2015, demonstrating USDA's efforts to help farmers and ranchers bring their products to tables domestically and abroad, build critical infrastructure in America's rural areas, conserve our nation's natural resources through long-lasting partnerships, and continuously work toward improving the lives of all Americans
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today reminded farmers and ranchers that the next general enrollment period for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) begins today, Dec. 1, 2015, and ends on Feb. 26, 2016. December 2015 also marks the 30th anniversary of CRP, a federally funded program that assists agricultural producers with the cost of restoring, enhancing and protecting certain grasses, shrubs and trees to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and reduce loss of wildlife habitat.
WASHINGTON, November 6, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appointed members of the USDA Minority Farmers Advisory Committee (MFAC). The committee provides farmer, rancher, industry and public perspectives on USDA strategies, policies and programs that impact minority farmers and ranchers.
Honolulu, Hawaii, October 9, 2015 - USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is partnering with the University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) to host workshops to assist producers in better understanding the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), and how the program can assist in financial recovery from natural disasters. Workshop highlights will include:
Hilo, Hawaii, October 8, 2015 - Commercial agricultural producers in Hawaii County, whose operations suffered physical damage or losses caused by flash flooding that occurred August 24, 2015 through September 27, 2015, may be eligible for Emergency Loans through the United State Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA).
Honolulu, Hawaii, October 8, 2015 - Producers who filed a timely application with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for the 2015 Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program for Geographically Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers (RTCP) have until November 3, 2015 to bring their supporting receipts and documentation to the FSA County Office.
Barrigada, Guam, Sept. 23, 2015 - Today, Guam and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Farm Service Agency County Executive Director Thomas Camacho announced the extension of the deadline to sign up for Reimbursement of Transportation Cost Payment (RTCP) to October 9, 2015 for CNMI producers. This extension will assist producers who have had problems accessing communication systems following Typhoon Soudelor and may have missed the program deadline.
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 22, 2015 – Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden today announced that $2.5 million in grants is now available for projects to educate new and underserved farmers about more than 20 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency programs that can provide financial, disaster or technical assistance to the agricultural community.
Honolulu, Hawaii, August 31, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Hawaii and Pacific Basin State Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Diane Ley announced that beginning July 20, farmers and ranchers residing outside the contiguous continental United States can enroll in the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP) for fiscal year 2015. Applicants must submit their application to their administrative county FSA office by Sept. 11, 2015. Applicants will have until Nov. 2, 2015, to provide supporting documentation.
Honolulu, Hawaii, August 21, 2015 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Diane Ley reminds agricultural producers that FSA provides a receipt to customers who request or receive assistance or information on FSA programs.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 19, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Kauai and Maui counties in Hawaii as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought.
WASHINGTON, June 8, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced that the nomination period for local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees begins on Monday, June 15, 2015.
Honolulu, Hawaii, June 3, 2015 - The Hawaii and Pacific Basin Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced that farmers and ranchers still have time to apply for low interest loans available through the FSA direct farm ownership program. Applications must be approved by September 30, 2015, to take advantage of the funding available.
WASHINGTON, June 1, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that incentives will resume this summer for farmers, ranchers and forest landowners interested in growing and harvesting biomass for renewable energy. The support comes through the Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP), which was reauthorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. BCAP provides financial assistance to establish and maintain new crops of energy biomass, or who harvest and deliver forest or agricultural residues to a qualifying energy facility.
MILWAUKEE, May 29, 2015 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that an additional 800,000 acres of highly environmentally sensitive land may be enrolled in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) under certain wetland and wildlife initiatives that provide multiple benefits on the same land.
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 16, 2015 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reminds farmers that the 2014 Farm Bill requires producers to file a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form (AD-1026) with their local USDA service center by June 1, 2015, in order to become or remain eligible for crop insurance premium support.
(Honolulu, Hawaii) March 24, 2015 – Farmers and ranchers in the counties of Hawaii and Honolulu who suffered damages from severe winds on January 2-3, 2015 may be eligible for assistance under the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). A qualifying producer may receive cost share assistance up to 75 percent of the eligible cost of restoration measures, such as debris removal or repair of conservation practices. No producer is eligible to receive more than $200,000 per natural disaster occurrence.
March 16, 2015 - Agricultural producers negatively impacted by Tropical Storm Bavi may be eligible for disaster assistance through the Farm Service Agency (FSA) if they are signed up for the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and file a Notice of Loss (CCC-576) within 72 hours for hand-harvested crops under the new provisions of the 2014 Farm Bill.
(Honolulu, Hawaii) March 10, 2015 - Commercial agricultural producers on Hawaii Island, who were negatively impacted by the volcanic eruption and lava flow from Kilauea Volcano, may be eligible for Emergency Loans through the United State Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency (FSA).
(Honolulu, Hawaii) March 3, 2015 - Financial assistance is available for farmers and ranchers who have debris to remove or conservation practices to repair as a result of the high winds that occurred in Hawaii and Honolulu Counties on January 2-3, 2015. According to Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director, Diane Ley, a total of $1.4 million in Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) funding has been requested to assist producers recover from damages caused by the high winds. Eligible producers will receive cost-share assistance of up to 75 percent of the cost of the approved practice, as determined by the FSA County Committee.
Honolulu, Hawaii, February 06, 2015 — Agricultural producers whose operations suffered severe physical losses caused by high winds and flooding that occurred January 2-3, 2015 in the counties of Hawaii, Maui and Honolulu may qualify for a Farm Service Agency (FSA) Emergency Physical Loss Loan.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2015 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture reminds livestock producers that the Jan. 30, 2015, deadline to request assistance for losses suffered from Oct. 1, 2011 through Dec. 31, 2014, is fast approaching.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2015 — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that more than 23,000 of the nation's dairy operations – over half of all dairy farms in America – have enrolled in the new safety-net program created by the 2014 Farm Bill, known as the Margin Protection Program. The voluntary program provides financial assistance to participating farmers when the margin – the difference between the price of milk and feed costs – falls below the coverage level selected by the farmer.