Central ND News

Senator John Hoeven has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for $10 billion in market-based disaster assistance. This funding was secured as part of legislation passed in December, with the aim of supporting farmers and ranchers facing challenges such as natural disasters and trade disputes.

Hoeven, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, has been collaborating with Agriculture Secretary Rollins to ensure a swift implementation of this assistance. He emphasized the importance of a streamlined application process to facilitate efficient distribution.

The Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) details have been outlined by USDA. Starting March 19, producers will receive pre-filled applications based on their 2024 acreage reporting data. Those yet to submit their plant data can do so until August 15, 2025. Applications can be submitted online or at local Farm Service Agency offices.

Initial payments are expected to be released by March 21, covering 85% of the total amount due, with supplemental payments planned for later in the summer. ECAP assistance is calculated using a flat payment rate per eligible commodity multiplied by reported acres, with prevented plant acres receiving half this rate.

Eligible commodities include wheat, corn, sorghum, barley, oats, soybeans, dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, canola, flaxseed and sunflower among others. A single application covers all eligible commodities under ECAP.

"This $10 billion in assistance is an important step to help producers recover from the challenging markets," stated Senator Hoeven. "We worked to ensure a streamlined process to provide producers with certainty and timely access to assistance."

Further information is available on USDA’s website: https://fsa.usda.gov/ecap. Additionally, Hoeven continues efforts with USDA on advancing $21 billion in weather-related aid for losses during 2023 and 2024.