Vermont Farmers Eligible for $16 Billion in USDA Disaster Relief Funding

Strategic Insights -

Vermont farmers who suffered losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 are now eligible to apply for assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Supplemental Disaster Relief Program. This funding, made possible by the American Relief Act, 2025, will provide more than $16 billion to farmers across the U.S., including in Vermont. U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) has championed this funding, which is currently open to those who received assistance through crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance program in 2023 and 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vermont farmers affected by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 can apply for USDA disaster relief payments through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program.
  • The program will provide more than $16 billion in aid to farmers across the U.S., with Vermont producers eligible for assistance.
  • Funding is currently only open to those who received assistance through crop insurance or the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance program in 2023 and 2024.
  • Sign-ups are happening in-person at county offices of the Farm Service Agency, with pre-filled applications mailed out to eligible producers earlier this week.
  • USDA will share additional information on how producers that suffered shallow or uncovered losses can apply for assistance later this year.
  • U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) has championed this funding and will continue to work with USDA to get more disaster aid to Vermont's impacted farms.
  • Vermont farmers can contact their local USDA Service Center for more information.

Statistics:

  • $16.0 billion: The amount of aid made possible by the American Relief Act, 2025, to support farmers across the U.S., including in Vermont.
  • 2023 and 2024: The years during which Vermont producers suffered extensive crop losses due to natural disasters.
  • 65%: The increase in crop insurance payments for the 2023 crop year compared to the 2022 crop year.
  • 1,200: The number of Vermont farms that received crop insurance payments for the 2023 crop year.

Sources:

  • A press release from U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.)
  • The American Relief Act, 2025
  • USDA's Supplemental Disaster Relief Program website