USDA opens $16B disaster aid for 2023-24 crop losses

U.S. agricultural producers impacted by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 are now eligible to apply for up to $16 billion in federal assistance through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced.

The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is implementing the program in two stages. The first phase, now open, covers producers who suffered eligible crop losses and received payments through crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) during 2023 or 2024. Stage One sign-ups began in person at FSA county offices on July 10.

"To get payments out the door quickly, FSA is sending prefilled applications to producers identified as having received a 2023 indemnity under federal crop insurance or NAP," said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins in the announcement.

Stage Two, which will address shallow or uncovered losses not indemnified under federal programs, is expected to begin in early fall.

To qualify, crop losses must be attributed to natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023 or 2024. Qualifying events include wildfires, hurricanes, floods, excessive heat, tornadoes, winter storms, freeze (including polar vortex events), smoke exposure, excessive moisture, qualifying drought, and related conditions.

For drought-related claims, the affected crop must be located in a county that experienced U.S. Drought Monitor ratings of D2 (severe drought) for eight consecutive weeks or D3 (extreme drought) or higher at any point during the applicable year.

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