Montana Ag Network: USDA rolls out 2022 disaster aid

Great Falls, Montana – The USDA processed all payments to producers qualifying under the Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) for 2021 and 2022 and the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) for 2020 and 2021 after the fiscal year 2023 ended.

Congress allocated $10 billion in emergency relief financing in the Extending Government Financing and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (P.L. 117-43), according to a press release released by the Farm Service Agency on September 30, 2023. This legislation set aside a minimum of $750 million for livestock producers affected by wildfires or drought. The FSA has stopped providing emergency assistance compensation for losses that occurred in 2020 and 2021.

“USDA provides substantial economic support for America’s farmers and ranchers through its critical farm program payments. These payments are reflective of the incredible and cumulative financial hits brought on by devastating natural disasters that agricultural producers nationwide have endured while fulfilling their commitment to produce our food, fiber, and fuel,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This additional assistance helps offset the tremendous losses that these producers faced and is a valuable investment, not only for farmers and ranchers but in the economic successes of our communities – rural and urban – and in our nation’s food security for generations to come.”

Get in touch with your neighborhood USDA Service Center for additional details on the FSA programs that are offered.