USDA is offering relief to producers through programs and flexibilities through the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative, a broad set of programs to help farmers, ranchers, and producers who felt the impact of COVID-19 market disruptions.
Additionally, for information on USDA-wide response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit USDA's coronavirus response page.
USDA is temporarily suspending debt collections, foreclosures, and other activities on farm loans. More information below on these updates to farm loans and Farm Storage Facility Loans.
Conducting Business Online
USDA Service Centers are open for in-person support. In addition to in-person assistance, USDA uses Microsoft Teams and OneSpan and Box functionality to enable producers to meet with USDA Service Center staff virtually. For Microsoft Teams, Download step-by-step instructions for getting started via desktop, laptop, or mobile device. OneSpan and Box don’t require software downloads.
Additional services are available to customers with an eAuthentication access, which provides access to the farmers.gov account. Customers who do not already have eAuthentication access can enroll by selecting the “Log In | Sign Up” option at the top of the page. This provides step-by-step instructions for creating an account.
Farmers.gov Account
With eAuthentication access, through the farmers.gov account, you can:
- View, print and export detailed farm records, including farm tract maps, as well as import precision agriculture planting boundaries.
- View farm loans information, history, and payments for USDA farm loans.
- Request assistance, e-sign documents, submit questions, access information on current and past conservation practices, and view detailed information on contracts related to USDA conservation support.
FSA Websites
Farm Loan Flexibilities
We recognize that loan-making activities are critical for annual operating and family living expenses, term investments for equipment and livestock, emergency needs, and cash flow, especially in tough times.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency is providing additional flexibilities to provide producers with credit options in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Those include:
- Where not legally prohibited, FSA will accept FAXed or scanned signatures from customers and lenders.
- FSA will follow the most current state or local guidance for use of online or virtual notary services.
Farm Storage Facility Loans Flexibilities
USDA has temporarily suspended non-judicial foreclosures, debt offsets or wage garnishments, and referring foreclosures to the Department of Justice. USDA is working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to stop judicial foreclosures and evictions on accounts that were previously referred to the Department of Justice.
Additionally, USDA extended deadlines for producers to respond to loan servicing actions, including loan deferral consideration for financially distressed and delinquent borrowers. In addition, for the Guaranteed Loan program, flexibilities have been made available to lenders to assist in servicing their customers.
The temporary suspension is in place until further notice and is expected to continue while the national COVID-19 disaster declaration is in place.
Contact the FSA office at your local USDA Service Center.
FSA is currently relaxing the loan-making process and adding flexibilities for servicing direct and guaranteed loans to provide credit to producers in need by:
Find Your Local Service Center
USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov.
Learn more about our Urban Service Centers.
Visit the Risk Management Agency website to find a regional or compliance office or to find an insurance agent near you.