FSA Offers New Educational Tools and Resources for Agricultural Producers to Promote Financial Access and Equity

Last month, USDA unveiled a new, online Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) Decision Tool and farm loan resources available to agricultural producers and cooperators who help producers access USDA disaster assistance, farm loans and other federal farm programs. The new LIP tool and the farm loan informational video resources were developed in partnership with FarmRaise and USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA). These resources are housed in an online, educational hub — called Farm Service Agency 101 – comprised of videos, and resources that enable cooperators and the agricultural producers they serve to learn about and access major FSA programs.

Through use of the LIP Decision tool, livestock producers can provide supporting documentation, inventory numbers, and loss numbers to FSA county offices. Doing so, in advance of the initial county office visit, will help FSA staff serve customers more effectively and efficiently. Producers will also need to complete an application for LIP assistance and, upon request, may be asked to provide additional supporting documentation.

More FSA program resources and tools will be added to the FarmRaise educational hub on an ongoing basis. Cooperators and agricultural producers are encouraged to visit the FarmRaise educational hub often to access all available resources.