USDA Extends Disaster Relief Deadline, Expands Quality Loss Flexibility

• New deadline: Producers have until Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, to apply for Stages 1 and 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program. 

• More flexibility for quality losses: Producers can use verifiable and reliable documentation to demonstrate eligible quality losses from 2023 and 2024 natural disasters. 

• Alternative crop uses may qualify: FSA has expanded flexibility for crops that were ultimately used differently than intended, including crops sold for processing instead of fresh use or those with salvage value. 

• Don't wait for missing Stage 1 data: Producers whose Stage 1 quality loss applications are missing production data must still file by Sept. 30. FSA will provide an opportunity to review and re-sign applications once the missing data becomes available. 

• Both stages may apply: Eligible producers may receive assistance through both SDRP Stage 1 and Stage 2, depending on their losses and coverage.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline for farmers to apply for Stages 1 and 2 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) to Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is providing greater flexibility for farmers who experienced quality losses on eligible crops.