Today, House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington expressed his approval for the Trump Administration and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in their efforts to deliver necessary aid to American farmers affected by natural disasters over the past two years.
“Our hard-working farmers and ranchers are the lifeblood of West Texas and backbone of our nation providing the food, fuel, and fiber needed to keep our economy strong and country secure,” said Chairman Arrington. “Unfortunately, while West Texas producers faced years of record droughts, the Biden administration grossly mismanaged federal disaster relief by illegally distributing funds based on race and sex, causing payments to be significantly delayed. Thankfully, President Trump and Secretary Rollins understand the urgency of the situation and the common-sense notion that since disasters don’t discriminate, neither should the federal assistance. I am proud to fight alongside the Trump administration to swiftly deliver this desperately needed relief to Rural America.”
The announcement comes as part of Secretary Rollins’ plan to distribute $30 billion in disaster assistance approved by Congress this year. The programs will also work with 14 different states through state block grants.
“American farmers are no stranger to natural disasters that causes losses that leave no region or crop unscathed. Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA has worked around the clock to deliver this relief in record time,” said Secretary Rollins. “Farmers don’t have the luxury of waiting to purchase seed, fuel and fertilizer or to pay their operating note at the bank. We are taking swift action to ensure farmers will have the resources they need continue to produce the safest, most reliable, and most abundant food supply in the world.”
Under this plan from Trump Administration’s USDA is providing $16 billion through Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP). This funding focuses on producers who experienced eligible crop losses in 2023-2024.
The aid distribution will happen in two stages. Starting July 10th those with prior crop insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance (NAP) can apply at local FSA offices; a second stage addressing shallow/uncovered losses will occur later this fall.
So far more than $7.8 billion was delivered via Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) plus an additional $1 billion under Emergency Livestock Relief Program forming part of wider congressional authorized aid led by Trump administration
USDA provides detailed information online regarding disaster assistance including tools such as Discovery Tool & Loan Assistance Tool among others; payment updates appear weekly
For SDRP Stage 1 eligible loss results must stem from various named natural events during calendar years 2023/24 while specific counties qualify based upon severity levels measured against US Drought Monitor ratings
Producers within certain states won’t receive SDRP payments but instead participate via separate funded block-grants under American Relief Act provisions amounting up-to approximately USD220M
Applying involves submitting relevant documentation alongside existing records held with Farm Service Agency(FSA)
Stage one calculations consider net indemnities subtracting administrative costs & premiums whilst ensuring maximum limits aren’t exceeded before applying factors accordingly
Future requirements mandate continued insurance coverage purchases failing which refunds inclusive interest would become payable back towards USDA
Details about forthcoming stage two covering additional areas like quality/uncovered losses expected sometime later fall season.
