Resetting Disaster Aid: A New Era for Specialty Crop Relief

A new bipartisan bill aims to make it easier for farmers and ranchers to access disaster relief. The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act would waive income restrictions that currently prevent many specialty crop producers from receiving federal assistance.

Under current U.S. Department of Agriculture rules, farmers with a combined farm and nonfarm income over $900,000 are excluded from most disaster relief programs. According to sponsors, this threshold disproportionately affects producers of high-value crops like strawberries, apples, and almonds, who often face high land and input costs. The new legislation ensures that growers who earn at least 75% of their income from agriculture can qualify for aid, regardless of total earnings.

This change is particularly important as the USDA distributes $21 billion in agricultural disaster assistance for losses from 2023 and 2024.

If passed, the legislation would open access to key disaster programs, including aid for livestock, crop losses, and uninsured crops. Supporters say the change would help farmers recover more quickly after disasters and strengthen the nation’s food supply.

Bill One-Pager: https://www.padilla.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Padilla-Tillis-Fair-Access-to-Ag-Disaster-Programs-Act-One-Pager_.pdf

Bill Full Text: https://www.padilla.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/Padilla-Tillis-Fair-Access-to-Ag-Disaster-Programs-Act-BILL-TEXT.pdf