USDA Seeks Input on Farmers' Crop Insurance Checks
Published Date: 3/18/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Agriculture is asking for public feedback on a plan to check if farmers who got emergency relief payments are buying crop insurance like the law requires. This update aims to make sure farmers follow the rules without making them fill out extra paperwork. Comments are open until April 17, 2026, so farmers and others can weigh in before the plan moves forward.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
ERP Recipients Must Buy Crop Insurance
The Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (Division B, Title I, Pub. L. 117-43) requires all producers who received an Emergency Relief Program (ERP) Phase 1 or Phase 2 payment to purchase crop insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage for the next available year(s).
FSA Will Verify Compliance Using Existing Data
To check that ERP participants bought required coverage, FSA will verify compliance using crop insurance participation data from the Risk Management Agency (RMA) and NAP participation data on file with FSA when possible, so producers who are confirmed compliant will be notified by mail and need take no further action.
Some Producers Must Submit Proof To Keep Payments
If FSA cannot determine a producer's compliance from available data, FSA will mail a notice requiring the producer to submit supporting documentation to verify compliance in order to retain their ERP payment; FSA will then notify the producer of its final determination of compliance or noncompliance.
Scope of Information-Collection Burden
The information collection covers farms as respondents, with 218,930 respondents and a total estimated burden of 24,975 hours for the collection tied to ERP Phase 1 and Phase 2 verification.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06537 — National Environmental Policy Act
The USDA just made final some updated rules about how they check the environment before starting projects, following changes from higher-up government orders and court decisions. These new rules affect anyone involved in USDA projects by simplifying the process and removing old regulations, aiming to speed things up without losing environmental care. The changes kick in on April 3, 2026, and could save time and money while keeping nature safe.
2026-06173 — Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program-Income Producing Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Provisions
The USDA’s Rural Housing Service wants to update its loan program so people can get loans to buy homes with one or more income-producing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). This means homeowners can finance properties that include rental units or spaces for home-based work. If you’re interested, make sure to send your comments by June 1, 2026!
2026-05387 — Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
The USDA’s Rural Housing Service is updating its Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program to let approved lenders use automated systems for making loans and getting guarantees after closing. This change helps speed up the loan process for folks buying homes in rural areas. The new rules kick in June 17, 2026, with full use starting September 28, 2028, making it easier and faster for lenders and homebuyers alike.
2026-04531 — Supplemental Disaster Relief Program and Dairy Margin Coverage Program; Correction
The USDA fixed some important rules for farmers in the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program and the Dairy Margin Coverage Program. These changes help sugar beet growers and certain crop insurance holders get the right disaster payments, and clarify who dairy farmers can qualify if they stopped milk production. The updates take effect March 9, 2026, making sure payments and eligibility are fair and clear.
2025-23089 — Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC): Implementation of the Access to Baby Formula Act of 2022 and Related Provisions; Correcting Amendments
This update fixes small mistakes in the WIC program rules that were made when new baby formula laws kicked in February 2024. It affects families using WIC benefits by making sure the rules are clear and correct, so they get the support they need without confusion. These corrections take effect December 17, 2025, keeping the program running smoothly and fairly.
2025-20455 — Agricultural Disaster Indemnity Programs; Approval of Information Collection Request
Farmers and ranchers hit by disasters will get help faster thanks to new approved forms and info rules. The USDA just got the green light to collect the info they need to pay out disaster aid smoothly through October 2027. This means quicker payments and clearer paperwork for those who grow our food when tough times strike.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05247 — Notice of Public Meeting of the Oklahoma Advisory Committee
The Oklahoma Advisory Committee is holding two virtual meetings on March 12 and April 9, 2026, to plan discussions about the death penalty. Anyone interested can join online or by phone, listen in, and even share their thoughts during the open comment time. These meetings don’t cost money to attend, but phone users should watch for their own call charges.
Next: 2026-05249 — Sunshine Act Meeting Notice
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is holding a public virtual meeting on March 20, 2026, to discuss important civil rights issues and approve their strategic plan. This meeting affects anyone interested in civil rights, especially those in Ohio, Puerto Rico, and Arizona, as key topics include housing discrimination, Puerto Rico’s legal status, and healthcare access disparities. No costs or deadlines are announced, but the meeting is open and accessible online with live captions.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in