USDA Issues Round Two of ECAP Aid to Farmers

Alabama farmers will soon receive a second round of aid through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) - critical support to help growers recover from crippling losses during the 2024 crop year.

Initial ECAP payments were factored by 85% to ensure total spending did not exceed the $10 billion authorized by the American Relief Act. This second ECAP distribution equals 14% of the gross payment, making the final payment factor 99%.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will automatically provide aid to eligible producers with approved ECAP applications who received initial funds. Applications approved after Sept. 25 will receive one lump sum.

ECAP assistance is calculated using a flat payment rate for the eligible commodity multiplied by the eligible reported acres. Payments are based on acreage and not production. For acres reported as prevented planted, ECAP assistance is calculated at 50%.

Alabama Farmers Federation National Affairs Director Mitt Walker praised USDA for expediting the additional relief payments.

"We appreciate Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins releasing the second round of ECAP payments and Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Monica Carroll for working to get these much-needed funds in the hands of farmers," he said. "This program demonstrates the Trump Administration's understanding of the economic plight our farmers are facing and their commitment to strengthen American agriculture."

For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov.