Support For Farmers Facing High Transportation Costs Begins
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has opened enrollment for the 2025 Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP), providing essential financial support to farmers and ranchers located outside the contiguous United States.
This program is designed to help producers offset the high costs of transporting agricultural commodities or inputs across long distances. Enrollment is open from July 7 to September 30, 2025, with all supporting documentation due by November 3, 2025.
RTCP is available to eligible producers in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Palau.
The program was authorized under the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, with $3.5 million allocated to support transportation reimbursements.
RTCP payments are based on actual transportation costs incurred during a 12-month period and are capped at $8,000 per producer each fiscal year. If the number of applicants does not exceed available funds, this cap may be raised. If total claims exceed funding, payments will be reduced proportionally.
In fiscal year 2024, over 1,100 producers received reimbursements through RTCP, totaling $3.5 million.
“The Regional Transportation Cost Payment Program is a real lifeline for producers, helping cover the extra transportation costs that can add up fast,” said Marcinda Kester, FSA State Executive Director in Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Applications and program details are available by calling 1-866-794-1079. RTCP is managed by USDA’s Farm Service Agency, which supports farmers through credit, conservation, commodity, and disaster assistance programs nationwide.
For more details, visit fsa.usda.gov.