Bill > HR5710

This bill, called the "Bridge the Gap for Rural Communities Act," addresses agricultural payments for crop year 2025 by suspending certain payment limitations and allowing advance partial payments for farmers. Specifically, the bill temporarily removes the standard payment caps under the Food Security Act of 1985 for crop year 2025, which means farmers can receive higher levels of agricultural risk coverage (ARC) and price loss coverage (PLC) payments than normally permitted. The bill also establishes a mechanism for farmers to receive advance partial payments of up to 50% of their projected commodity payment before the end of 2025, with the remaining balance to be paid after the marketing year concludes. Farmers can opt into this partial payment program by notifying the Farm Service Agency by December 1, 2025. The projected payment will be calculated using the most recent World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates or a comparable price estimate determined by the Secretary of Agriculture. If a farmer receives more than their final calculated payment amount, they will be required to repay the excess without interest. These provisions are designed to provide more financial flexibility and predictability for agricultural producers during the 2025 crop year.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5710/all-info