Alabama farmers can expect financial relief as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) rolls out the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP), providing up to $10 billion in direct payments to agricultural producers impacted by rising costs and falling commodity prices.

In a Tuesday news release, Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate welcomed the announcement, saying it offers much-needed support, though it won’t fully compensate for farmers’ recent struggles.

“This economic assistance will not make our producers whole from the pain suffered in 2024, but I am pleased USDA-FSA is moving forward to roll-out ECAP,” Pate said in the release. “I want to thank the current administration for their efforts to help Alabama farmers.”

The announcement comes as Alabama recognizes the vital role farmers play in the state’s economy. Agriculture contributes $77.3 billion annually, making it a key pillar of Alabama’s economic landscape, according to the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries. The industry’s productivity has grown significantly over the years — while one farmer could feed about 76 people in the early 1970s, today’s farmers can feed more than 165.

“National Ag Day is a great time to ‘Thank A Farmer’ for all they do,” the department said in a statement.

HOW ECAP WORKS

Authorized by the American Relief Act of 2025, ECAP payments will be issued based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for the 2024 season. Administered by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), the program aims to offset financial losses caused by rising input costs and declining commodity prices.

To simplify the application process, FSA will send pre-filled applications to producers who submitted acreage reports for 2024 eligible commodities. The signup period opens March 19. Producers do not have to wait for pre-filled forms to apply — they can visit https://fsa.usda.gov/ecap or contact their local FSA office for assistance.

ELIGIBLE COMMODITIES AND PAYMENT RATES

Farmers growing the following crops will receive per-acre payments:

• Wheat: $30.69
• Corn: $42.91
• Sorghum: $42.52
• Barley: $21.67
• Oats: $77.66
• Upland and extra-long staple cotton: $84.74
• Long and medium grain rice: $76.94
• Peanuts: $75.51
• Soybeans: $29.76
• Dry peas: $16.02
• Lentils: $19.30
• Small chickpeas: $31.45
• Large chickpeas: $24.02

Eligible oilseeds:

• Canola: $31.83
• Crambe: $19.08
• Flax: $20.97
• Mustard: $11.36
• Rapeseed: $23.63
• Safflower: $26.32
• Sesame: $16.83
• Sunflower: $27.23

ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION PROCESS

To qualify, producers must report 2024 crop year planted and prevented planted acres to FSA on Form FSA-578, Report of Acreage. Those who have not previously submitted acreage reports or filed notices of loss for prevented planted crops must do so by the Aug. 15 deadline.

Farmers can submit ECAP applications in person at their local FSA office, electronically via Box and One-Span, by fax, or online through the Farm Service Agency website using a secure login.gov account. Only one application is required nationwide, covering all eligible commodities.

Applicants must also have the following forms on file with FSA:

• Form AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet
• Form CCC-901, Member Information for Legal Entities (if applicable)
• Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan for an individual or legal entity
• Form CCC-943, 75% of Average Gross Income from Farming, Ranching, or Forestry Certification (if applicable)
• Form AD-1026, Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification
• Form SF-3881, Direct Deposit

Most producers already participating in FSA programs likely have these forms on file, but they are encouraged to confirm with their local FSA office.

PAYMENT DISTRIBUTION AND ESTIMATION

ECAP payments will be issued as applications are approved. Initial payments will be factored at 85% to prevent exceeding program funding. If funds remain, FSA may issue a second payment.

Assistance is calculated using a flat per-acre payment rate multiplied by the eligible reported acres. Payments for prevented plant acres will be calculated at 50% of the payment rate. Since ECAP is based on acreage rather than production, farmers will receive payments regardless of yield outcomes.

For payment estimates, producers can use the ECAP online calculator at https://fsa.usda.gov/ecap.

For those looking for more information or assistance, they are advised to contact a local USDA-FSA office by visiting USDA Office Locator.