top

Inflation Reduction Act Investments in USDA Loan and Conservation Programs

On August 16, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law. It offers a historic, once-in-a-generation investment and opportunity for the agricultural communities that USDA serves. The Inflation Reduction Act will help producers stay on the farm, help prevent producers from becoming ineligible for future assistance, and promote climate-smart agriculture by increasing access to conservation assistance.

On This Page

IRA Investments
News & Resources

IRA Investments

Loans

Funds for Financially Distressed Borrowers (Section 22006)

Section 22006 of the IRA provides $3.1 billion for USDA to provide relief for distressed borrowers with certain Farm Service Agency (FSA) direct and guaranteed loans. The law directs USDA to expedite assistance for those borrowers whose agricultural operations are at financial risk.

Learn more about Inflation Reduction Act Assistance for Distressed Borrowers.

Funds for Producers Facing Discrimination (Section 22007)

Meanwhile, Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act provides $2.2 billion in financial assistance for farmers who have experienced discrimination in USDA’s farm lending programs. USDA recognizes the Department has not done enough historically to ensure all customers have equal access to its programs and services.

Applications were accepted for the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program from July 7, 2023 to January 17, 2024. They are currently being reviewed by third-party administrators that are managing the program, as required by law, in consultation with USDA. Upon approval, the program administrators will deliver the financial assistance by check through the U.S. mail shortly after decisions are made, targeted for summer 2024.

Learn more about Inflation Reduction Act Assistance for Producers Discriminated Against in Farm Loan Programs.

 

Conservation

IRA assistance is now available through Natural Resources Conservation Service’s oversubscribed conservation programs for agricultural producers. NRCS accepts producer applications for its conservation programs year-round, but for fiscal year 2024 funding, producers interested in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program or Conservation Stewardship Program should apply by their state’s ranking dates to be considered for funding in the current cycle. Funding is provided through a competitive process and will include an opportunity to address the unmet demand from producers who have previously sought funding for climate-smart conservation activities. 

Learn more from our September 28, 2023 news release.

Approximately $19.5 billion of Inflation Reduction Act funds will support USDA’s conservation programs. This includes:

  • $8.45 billion for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program
  • $4.95 billion for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program
  • $3.25 billion for the Conservation Stewardship Program
  • $1.4 billion for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program
  • $1 billion for the Conservation Technical Assistance Program

These are oversubscribed programs that are well known to farmers and ranchers. This additional investment will help farmers and ranchers implement expanded conservation practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase storage of carbon in their soil and trees.

Learn more about Inflation Reduction Act conservation assistance.

 

News and Resources

Inflation Reduction Act in Action Blogs

Find Your Local Service Center

Ver en:

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.