House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15) issued the following statement after Secretary Brooke Rollins announced USDA would be issuing up to $10 billion directly to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year:
“Grappling with rising input costs, declining commodity prices, record debt levels, and a lingering agricultural trade deficit, America’s farmers and ranchers are teetering on the edge of a financial cliff. That’s exactly why I fought to ensure this assistance was included in last year’s continuing resolution.
“I commend the Trump Administration for moving swiftly to stand up this vital program and provide much-needed relief to farm country. Secretary Rollins and the team at USDA deserve credit for cutting through red tape and prioritizing farm families facing financial uncertainty.
“While this relief is a crucial financial bridge for many, it is no substitute for the enactment of a strong, five-year farm bill that delivers risk management tools our farmers can rely upon for the long run. I look forward to delivering on this promise in partnership with congressional colleagues and the Trump Administration.”
House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02) released the below statement regarding the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s rollout of the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program:
“I am proud to have helped secure $10 billion for our farmers, who have been dealing with tough economic conditions, and I congratulate the Agriculture Department for meeting Congress’ deadline for rolling the program out. I hope that producers start to feel the benefit of the ECAP program soon. But to truly help meet the needs of farm country, we need to pass a bipartisan farm bill. Farmers need access to markets, reliable program funding, trade opportunities and the power of American research and innovation. Ad hoc assistance is appreciated but does not provide the long-term certainty and support of a bipartisan farm bill. We need to ensure a partisan reconciliation process does not cut the legs out from under the farm bill.”
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) will begin sending pre-filled applications to producers who submitted acreage reports to FSA for 2024 eligible ECAP commodities once the signup period opens on March 19, 2025. Producers do not have to wait to receive their pre-filled ECAP application from FSA to apply. They can visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap and apply using a login.gov account or contact their local FSA office to request an application once the signup period opens.
“I am glad to see this crucial funding reach the hardworking Oklahomans that keep our food on the table,” said Congressman Frank D. Lucas. “I’d like to thank Secretary Rollins for working alongside us on the House Agriculture Committee to ensure our farmers and ranchers receive the assistance they need in a timely fashion.”
Producers who have already submitted their 2024 acreage reports to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) will receive pre-filled ECAP applications in the mail. You can also apply in person at your local FSA office or visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap.
Producers who have not previously submitted 2024 crop year acreage or filed a notice of loss for prevented planted crops must submit an acreage report by the Aug. 15, 2025, deadline.
For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall also commented on USDA’s announcement:
“We’re pleased Secretary Rollins prioritized delivery of the first $10 billion in much-needed aid. It will help farmers who are facing low commodity prices while wrestling with inflation, high interest rates and increased supply costs. For the third straight year, farmers lost money on almost every major crop planted.
“AFBF engaged with lawmakers to ensure they understood the challenges facing rural America, and we were pleased that aid for farmers was included in the December continuing resolution. We urge USDA to move quickly to distribute the remaining aid approved by Congress, including support for farmers hit hard by natural disasters.
“Farmers are committed to growing the food America’s families rely on. This emergency assistance is critical in helping farm families navigate an agricultural economy under severe strain, ensuring they can continue to make ends meet until market conditions improve.”
National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew gave the following statement:
“Farmers Union fought hard to secure this funding at the end of 2024, and we’re pleased to see Secretary Rollins take quick action to distribute the much-needed relief for family farmers and ranchers,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “With growing uncertainty and economic volatility, this support is essential—but it’s not enough. We remain committed to working with lawmakers on delivering a comprehensive, five-year farm bill that gives farmers the long-term certainty they deserve.”
NFU successfully advocated for the inclusion of both economic and disaster aid for farmers and ranchers in the American Relief Act, 2025, passed by the 118th Congress in December 2024.
NFU has repeatedly called on Congress to pass a new, comprehensive farm bill to avoid further economic strain caused by volatile commodity prices and higher input costs.
The National Cotton Council (NCC) extends its gratitude to President Trump and Secretary Brooke Rollins for their swift action in providing up to $10 billion in direct economic assistance to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP). This timely support is a crucial lifeline for cotton producers facing increased input costs and market uncertainties.
This critical assistance will lessen the financial burden on cotton producers and help stabilize the industry during these challenging times. NCC continues to urge Congress about the necessity of a new farm bill with a meaningful improvement in the safety net applicable for the 2025 crop.
We encourage all eligible cotton producers to take advantage of the ECAP program by submitting their applications to their local FSA county office by August 15, 2025. For more information on eligibility and application procedures, please visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap.
“Thank you, Secretary Rollins, and everyone at USDA for working hard to deliver this crucial economic assistance to farmers in a timely manner,” said Chandler Goule NAWG CEO “As we celebrate National Agriculture Day today, the timeliness in the program delivery is crucial as America’s farmers continue to face dire economic challenges.
“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. 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.”.
Starting March 19th, farmers will be able to apply for ECAP at their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office, online at fsa.usda.gov/ecap, or by returning the prefilled applications that will be mailed out to producers who submitted acreage reports to FSA for 2024 eligible ECAP commodities. Today, FSA also announced the payment rates for eligible commodities, which is $30.69 per acre for wheat. Applications for these funds will run from March 19, 2025, to August 15, 2025. Producers can learn more about the application process by visiting fsa.usda.gov/ecap or contacting their local FSA office.
