As we approach the end of the year and holidays, we at the FSA want to take a moment to remind you of some upcoming program deadlines. We’re all very busy at this time of year. I want to make sure you’re on the right track when it comes to applying for program assistance.
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) recently announced the new Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program that provides a one-time bridge payment to American farmers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs. This program is based on FSA reported planted acres. Commodity-specific payment rates will be released by the end of December and we’re expecting pre-filled applications to go out to eligible producers during the week of Feb. 23 to meet the target of FBA payments processing by Feb. 28, 2026. We continue to work on FBA policies and provisions for specialty crop producer assistance. We understand you have questions. Producers, including specialty crop producers and stakeholder groups, can submit questions to farmerbridge@usda.gov. I will provide FBA updates as details unfold.
Sign-up is underway for Stage 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), which covers eligible crop, tree, bush and vine losses that were not covered under Stage 1 program provisions, including non-indemnified (shallow losses), uncovered, and quality losses. Producers have until April 30, 2026, to apply for both Stage 1 and Stage 2 assistance. I strongly encourage you to use the SDRP Stage 2 Pre-Application Checklist to ensure you have the required forms on file with your FSA county office and to help you start gathering supporting documentation that may be required. When you’re ready, please make an appointment with your local FSA office.
For the first time, USDA disaster assistance will cover shallow losses – losses that didn’t trigger a crop insurance or NAP indemnity but still hit the bottom line. We heard loud and clear from producers that this was a gap in previous programs. Stage 2 also covers uninsured losses and quality losses, everything from smoke-damaged fruit to forage that lost nutritional value due to weather extremes. If the crop’s value dropped because of a disaster, we’re going to recognize that loss.
FSA is also delivering additional disaster assistance through the Milk Loss Program (MLP) for dumped milk and the On-Farm Stored Commodity Loss Program (OFSCLP), which both have a Jan. 23, 2026, signup deadline.
2025 Overview – Virginia FSA is Delivering on Our Promise to Put Farmers First
Over the past year, the Trump Administration and FSA have demonstrated our commitment to putting Virginia Farmers First.
Since March 2025, FSA has supported farmers and ranchers in State through supplemental disaster assistance including $46.4 million through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program, $4.5 million through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program and more than $42.4 million in SDRP Stage 1 payments to date
Last month FSA provided $18.8 million in Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage (ARC/PLC) payments as well as $1.6 million in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) annual rental payments to producers and landowners in Virginia. These payments came at a critical time as I know many of you are booking inputs and planning for the 2026 crop year.
This year, FSA also provided $78.5 million to producers through the Marketing Assistance Loan (MAL) program, which provides a short-term loan on eligible commodities that gives producers marketing flexibility to sell their crops when prices are more favorable.
In addition to farm program payments, FSA farm loan staff continue to see strong interest in our direct and guaranteed ownership and operating loans, which offer loans with flexible terms and favorable loan rates. Over the last fiscal year FSA obligated a total of $46.1 million in direct loans and $28.1 million in guaranteed loans across Virginia. These loans help borrowers start or expand their agricultural operations, pay family living expenses and fund day-to-day operating expenses.
I’m proud of the support that the FSA staff in Virginia have provided to our producers. We recognize the challenges that producers continue to face and I look forward to working on behalf of the Trump Administration and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to ensure the success of the agriculture industry across the state.
As a reminder, all FSA offices will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, in accordance with President Trump’s Dec. 18 Executive Order and in observance of Dec. 25, Christmas Day, an official federal holiday.
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