The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the launch of the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. This follows the passage of the American Relief Act of 2025 in December, which allocated $10 billion in economic aid to farmers. The USDA’s move provides essential financial relief to producers facing economic challenges.

Starting March 19, farmers can apply for ECAP through their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office, online at fsa.usda.gov/ecap, or by returning prefilled applications that will be mailed to producers who submitted acreage reports for eligible 2024 ECAP commodities. FSA also revealed the payment rate for eligible commodities, which is $30.69 per acre for wheat. The application period will run from March 19, 2025, to August 15, 2025.

“NAWG is proud to have worked with key stakeholders and Congress last to ensure this critical assistance was included in last year’s continuing resolution,” said Chandler Goule NAWG CEO “While this ad hoc assistance is much needed, the short-term relief cannot replace a robust long-term farm bill. NAWG continues to urge lawmakers to work quickly to pass a farm bill that strengthens the farm safety net in the 119th Congress.”.

Producers can find more details on the application process by visiting fsa.usda.gov/ecap or contacting their local FSA office.