A closer look at how the Trump administration’s $16 billion relief plan aims to stabilize the American farming industry.
Washington, D.C., July 9, 2025 – In a significant move to support American farmers, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the launch of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), providing $16 billion in assistance to agricultural producers who suffered crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. This initiative is part of a broader effort to deliver $30 billion in Congressionally appropriated disaster relief to farmers and ranchers this year.
The SDRP will be rolled out in two stages, with the first stage beginning July 10, 2025. Eligible producers who received assistance through crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) during 2023 and 2024 will be the first to benefit. Prefilled applications are being mailed to producers starting today, July 9, to streamline the process. Stage Two, which will address uncovered and shallow losses, is set to launch in early fall.
“American farmers are no stranger to natural disasters that leave no region or crop untouched,” said Secretary Rollins. “Under President Trump’s leadership, USDA is taking swift action to ensure our farmers have the resources they need to continue producing the safest, most reliable, and abundant food supply in the world.”
A Faster Path to Relief
The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is expediting the SDRP process to ensure timely assistance. This approach contrasts with the previous administration’s disaster relief programs, which often took over a year to reach farmers. To date, the USDA has already distributed over $7.8 billion through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) and more than $1 billion through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program for grazing losses caused by drought and wildfires.
Program Details: SDRP Stage One
The first stage of SDRP focuses on producers with eligible crop, tree, and vine losses. Leveraging existing data from NAP and the Risk Management Agency (RMA), the FSA is providing prefilled applications to simplify the process. Eligible losses must have resulted from natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events in 2023 and 2024.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Losses must be tied to natural disasters, including droughts rated as D2 (severe) for eight consecutive weeks or D3 (extreme) or higher on the U.S. Drought Monitor.
- Producers in Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, and Massachusetts will not be eligible for SDRP payments, as these states opted for separate block grants funded through the American Relief Act.
Payment Calculations:
Stage One payments will be based on the producer’s adjusted NAP or federal crop insurance coverage level. Payments will not exceed 90% of the loss, with a payment factor of 35% applied. Additional payments may be issued if funds remain.
Future Insurance Requirements:
Producers receiving SDRP payments must purchase federal crop insurance or NAP coverage at a 60% level or higher for the next two crop years. Failure to comply will result in repayment of the SDRP funds, plus interest.
Looking Ahead: SDRP Stage Two
Later this fall, the USDA will announce details for Stage Two of SDRP, which will address uncovered losses, including non-indemnified shallow losses and quality losses. This stage aims to provide comprehensive support to farmers who faced challenges beyond the scope of traditional insurance programs.
Resources for Farmers
Farmers can access detailed information about SDRP and other disaster assistance programs on the USDA’s website, farmers.gov. Resources include the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet, Loan Assistance Tool, and the FarmRaise online FSA education hub. Weekly updates on payment details will also be available.
For more information, producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA Service Center or visit farmers.gov.
This expedited disaster relief program underscores the Trump Administration’s commitment to supporting American farmers in the face of unprecedented challenges. By delivering timely and targeted assistance, the USDA aims to ensure the resilience and sustainability of the nation’s agricultural sector.
Discover how the Trump administration’s new $16 billion disaster aid program supports struggling US farmers hit by trade wars and natural disasters.
