Nebraska USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is reminding agricultural producers of the availability of two financial assistance programs designed to address revenue losses associated with natural disasters and the pandemic. The Emergency Relief Program Phase 2 and the Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) currently are both open for application at FSA offices across the state.
“Because ERP 2 and PARP look at losses from a revenue-based standpoint, they are different from other FSA-administered programs,” said Tim Divis, the acting state executive director of Nebraska FSA. “These are producer certification programs, and most of the information necessary to complete applications will come from producers’ personal financial records. Those interested in these programs are encouraged to begin working with their county FSA office now, ahead of their busy spring season.”
Emergency Relief Program Phase 2
Emergency Relief Program Phase 2 (ERP 2) provides financial assistance to producers who suffered a loss in revenue on eligible crops due to a qualifying natural disaster event in calendar years 2020 and 2021. Eligible crops include both traditional insurable commodities (excluding crops intended for grazing) and specialty crops that are produced in the United States as part of a farming operation and are intended to be commercially marketed. Livestock and animal by-products are ineligible commodities for ERP 2. The loss in 2020 and 2021 allowable gross revenue will be determined by comparing it to allowable gross revenue in a benchmark year, either 2018 or 2019, as selected by the producer.
Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program
Pandemic Assistance Revenue Program (PARP) provides financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities, both crops and livestock, who suffered at least a 15 percent loss in gross revenue in calendar year 2020 due to the pandemic. Payments to producers will be based upon a comparison of the producer’s allowable gross revenue from 2020 to a benchmark year, either 2018 or 2019, as selected by the producer. The PARP payment will be reduced by other applicable pandemic assistance payments earned by the producer.
Application Resources
Resources available to assist producers with understanding and completing applications can be found at www.fsa.usda.gov/ne. This includes producer information packets, step-by-step application worksheets and a link to a recorded webinar, where Nebraska FSA program leaders explain each program and how to apply for assistance.
“Producers are asked to review available program information and gather financial records to complete their application or applications,” Divis said.
The application period for these programs is open through June 2, 2023. Those interested in learning more can contact their county FSA office.