Bill > HR4354

This bill establishes an Agricultural Emergency Relief Program administered by the Secretary of Agriculture to provide financial assistance to agricultural producers who experience crop losses due to natural disasters such as drought, wildfire, hurricane, flood, excessive heat, or winter storms. Producers must apply for payments by submitting documentation of their qualified losses, which can include prevented plantings, crop quality reduction, or crop damage. To be eligible, producers must either have existing crop insurance or commit to purchasing Federal Crop Insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for the next two years. Payment amounts are calculated based on either previous insurance indemnities or the producer's revenue, with different calculation methods for those with and without existing crop insurance. The bill includes payment limitations based on a producer's average adjusted gross farm income, with caps ranging from $125,000 to $900,000 depending on the type of crops and income level. Payments are limited to 70-90% of qualified losses, with lower-income producers receiving more favorable payment terms. The program is authorized for fiscal years 2025-2030, with up to 1% of appropriated funds allowed for administrative costs, and aims to provide financial support to farmers facing significant agricultural challenges from natural disasters.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4354/all-info