The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is offering the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), providing $16 billion in assistance to agricultural producers who suffered crop losses from natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.
Who Can Apply
Farmers with eligible crop, tree and vine losses caused by natural disasters including wildfires, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, winter storms, drought and excessive heat can now apply for Stage One assistance. To qualify, producers must have received payments through crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) during the disaster years.
How to Apply
Applications opened July 10, 2025, at FSA county offices. The USDA has streamlined the process by mailing pre-filled applications to eligible producers on July 9. Farmers need to submit Form FSA-526 along with other required FSA documentation.
Payment Details
Stage One payments are calculated based on coverage levels and existing insurance payouts, with a 35% payment factor applied. Total SDRP payments cannot exceed 90% of losses. If funds remain available, FSA may issue second payments.
Future Requirements
Producers receiving SDRP payments must purchase federal crop insurance or NAP coverage at 60% coverage level or higher for the next two crop years. Failure to maintain coverage requires repayment of SDRP funds plus interest.
What’s Next
Stage Two applications for uncovered losses, including shallow losses and quality losses, will open in early fall. This program is part of $30 billion in total disaster assistance being distributed this year.
The USDA has already distributed over $7.8 billion through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program and more than $1 billion through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program.
For more information and to access the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, visit farmers.gov or contact your local USDA Service Center.
Plows and Politics 