U.S. agricultural producers impacted by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 can now apply for financial support through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), with up to $16 billion in assistance available. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the launch of the program on July 10, beginning with an initial sign-up phase for producers who previously received crop loss payments through crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP).
This marks the first phase of USDA’s two-stage SDRP rollout. Pre-filled applications for Stage One are being mailed to eligible producers, streamlining the process. These applications are based on existing loss data and will be handled in person through local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices.
Eligible losses must have resulted from disasters such as drought, wildfire, floods, hurricanes, extreme heat, smoke exposure, or other qualifying conditions in 2023 or 2024. Special drought criteria apply, requiring a D2 (severe) drought designation for at least eight consecutive weeks or D3 (extreme) or greater intensity.
Certain states—Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, and Massachusetts—opted to manage their relief through block grants rather than the SDRP, funded by $220 million allocated through the American Relief Act.
Under Stage One, payments will cover up to 90% of verified losses. Producers will receive an initial 35% SDRP payment, with potential for additional compensation if funds remain. All recipients must commit to maintaining federal crop insurance or NAP coverage at or above the 60% level for the next two crop years to avoid repayment.
Stage Two of the SDRP, expected this fall, will cover shallow losses and quality-related issues that were not previously indemnified.
USDA continues to provide additional disaster aid through other programs, including more than $7.8 billion under the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program and over $1 billion via the Emergency Livestock Relief Program.
More information and application tools are available at farmers.gov or through local USDA Service Centers.
