USDA Announces $16 Billion in Disaster Aid for Farmers, South Carolina to Receive Nearly $50 Million

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Thursday that $16 billion in expedited assistance is now available to eligible farmers who experienced crop losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. This funding is being disbursed through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP).

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins confirmed that applications for this crucial aid are now open. For South Carolina specifically, nearly $50 million in assistance is anticipated to reach farmers, according to Senator Lindsey Graham.

The initial phase of the SDRP is open to farmers who suffered eligible crop losses and who received assistance under either crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program during the 2023 and 2024 disaster years. Applications can be submitted in person at local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices, with sign-ups beginning this past Thursday. Prefilled applications were also mailed to eligible producers on Wednesday.

The USDA has indicated that a second stage of SDRP sign-ups will commence in early fall. This subsequent phase will cater to farmers with eligible shallow or previously uncovered losses.

A key requirement for all producers receiving SDRP payments is the mandatory purchase of federal crop insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage. This coverage must be secured for the next two available crop years at a minimum of the 60% coverage level or higher. Farmers who do not comply with this requirement will be obligated to refund the SDRP payment, along with accrued interest, to the USDA.