USDA Resumes FSA Operations, Allowing Peanut Farmers to Access Critical Loans
After weeks of uncertainty caused by the government shutdown, the nation’s peanut farmers are finally getting some good news. The shutdown had prevented the industry from securing essential farm loans or placing peanuts in the loan program to receive the minimum price of $3.55 per ton.
“Because of the government shutdown, the peanut industry has not been able to secure their farm loan, or to place peanuts in the loan to receive the minimum price of $3.55 per ton.”
That will now change. Starting Thursday this week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will resume Farm Service Agency (FSA) core operations. This includes critical services such as farm loan processing, ARC (Average Revenue Coverage), PLC (Price Loss Coverage) payments, and other programs administered by the agency.
“Well, good news, starting Thursday this week, USDA will resume Farm Service Agency core operations including critical services for the farm loan processing, the ARC program average revenue, and the PLC price loss coverage payments, and other programs that are paid by Farm Service Agency.”
President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to supporting U.S. farmers during the shutdown. “President Trump sent the message that he is standing up for the farmers, while Democrats are obstructing right now. A special thanks go to the USDA employees who continue to work without pay to serve our farmers and ranchers.”
These employees will officially resume normal duties this week. “They will now be uniting on Thursday, and farm loans will be available to peanut farmers, and it will take a while to update all the data and information.”
In the meantime, the Federal State Inspection Service has continued grading peanuts, ensuring product quality while the loan process was paused. “They have been receiving grading services by the Federal State Inspection Service, so the peanuts have been graded and placed in warehouses, but now the paperwork has to be finished and sent in before they can secure the farm loan. So market loan assistance is now available at the Farm Service Agency.”
This reopening of FSA services brings relief to peanut growers across the Southeast who depend on timely loan access and price support programs to manage harvest season finances and market stability.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.