Coronavirus and USDA Assistance for Farmers

USDA has developed a detailed, data-driven COVID workplace safety plan that prioritizes the health and safety of our staff and visitors.

USDA Service Centers are open to visitors by appointment only. Contact your local Service Center to make an appointment. Service Center staff also continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, email, and other digital tools.

In addition to delivering our typical programs and services to producers, USDA is also 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.

Resources for Conducting Business Online

To support in-person assistance, USDA uses Microsoft Teams and Box and OneSpan 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. Box and OneSpan don’t require software downloads.

Additional services are available to customers with an eAuthentication account, which provides access to the farmers.gov portal. Customers who do not already have an eAuthentication account can enroll by selecting the “Sign In | Sign Up” option at the top of the page. This provides step-by-step instructions for creating an account.

Farmers.gov Portal

With eAuthentication access, through the farmers.gov portal, you can:

• View, print and export detailed farm records, including farm tract maps
• 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

• 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.

Updates on Program Flexibilities

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

farmers.gov/coronavirus