The U.S. Department of Agriculture will start accepting applications for up to $10 billion in direct payments to farmers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program. The market-based assistance was approved as part of the American Relief Act 2025 passed by Congress on December 21, 2024.
Farmers who produced eligible commodities during the 2024 crop year are eligible for these one-time economic assistance payments intended to offset increased input costs and struggling commodity prices.
“Producers are facing higher costs and market uncertainty, and the Trump Administration is ensuring they get the support they need without delay,” says USDA Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. She explains USDA streamlined the process to ensure farmers receive payments ahead of schedule.
How much will you get paid?
ECAP payments will be calculated using a per-acre payment rate for eligible commodities – not production. Initial payments will be factored by 85% to ensure total payments do not exceed program funding. ECAP will also be limited to 50% of reported prevent plant acres. If additional funds remain, FSA reports they may issue a second round of payments.
For a better idea of how much your operation could receive, visit the ECAP online calculator. The commodities below are eligible for these per-acre payment rates:
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How to apply for ECAP payment
FSA will begin sending pre-filled applications to producers who submitted 2024 acreage reports to FSA for eligible commodities after the signup period opens March 19. However, producers do not have to wait for the application to apply – they can apply online or contact their local FSA office to request an application.
The deadline to submit ECAP applications to FSA is Aug. 15, 2025. Producers who have not previously reported 2024 crop year acreage or prevent plant crops must also submit an acreage report by the deadline.
Farm bill lurks
House Committee on Agriculture Chair Glenn “GT” Thompson issued a statement praising the administration for cutting through red tape to provide quick relief for farmers. However, Thompson emphasizes that the payments are not a long-term fix.
“While this relief is a crucial financial bridge for many, it is no substitute for the enactment of a strong, five-year farm bill that delivers risk management tools our farmers can rely upon for the long run,” he says. “I look forward to delivering on this promise in partnership with congressional colleagues and the Trump administration.”