USDA extends Supplemental Disaster Relief Program deadline

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an extension of the application deadline for Stages 1 and 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to September 30, 2026. The program, authorized under the American Relief Act of 2025, provides over $16 billion in relief payments to producers who suffered revenue, quality, or production losses due to qualifying natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.

In addition to the deadline extension, the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is introducing increased flexibility regarding quality losses. Farmers experiencing quality-related discounts can now use verifiable and reliable documentation to demonstrate losses caused by natural disasters. This includes the ability to use a quality loss percentage for crops where the final use differs from the intended use.

Producers with indemnified losses may apply through Stage 1, utilizing Federal Crop Insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program data. Those with non-indemnified, uncovered, or quality losses can apply for Stage 2 assistance. FSA Administrator Bill Beam stated that these enhancements aim to reduce the burden on farmers and ensure more eligible producers can access necessary assistance.