USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) just held a stakeholder briefing regarding the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP). Full details will be released by USDA at 1 pm ET today.  

Sign-ups will start tomorrow, March 19, and will run through August 15, 2025. USDA will mail pre-filled applications to producers. However, growers can go to their local FSA and begin sign up as soon as tomorrow. They should also be able to fill out the paperwork online. They do not have to wait for their pre-filled application.  

Applications will be processed as they are received. Initial payments will be factored at 85% and once the sign-up period ends in August, USDA may provide a 2^nd payment if there are funds still available. USDA does anticipate that there will be a second tranche.  

Tomorrow USDA will also release an FAQ document, a fact sheet, and a payment estimate calculator which should be available on FSA’s website as well as farmers.gov. The notice of funds availability (NOFA) was published here: https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2025-04604.pdf.  

Regarding the disaster assistance, USDA is continuing to work through program designs and expects to have a timeline soon.