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Coronavirus and USDA Assistance for Farmers

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.

Farmers.gov Account

Additional services are available to customers with a farmers.gov account. Customers who do not already have an account can find step-by-step instructions for creating one our Farmers.gov Accounts page.

With a 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.

Log Into or Create Your Farmers.gov Account

FSA Websites

  • Request Loan Deficiency Payments through eLDP.
  • Choose a payment option, assign crop shares, and sign and submit ARC/PLC contracts online, as well as view and print submitted contracts.

Program Flexibilities Updates

USDA's Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Risk Management Agency offer resources to support producers impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

USDA flexibilities for farmers and ranchers include:

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 has added flexibilities for servicing direct loans to provide credit to producers in need by:


Find Your Local Service Center

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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.