“FSA programs and loans are critical to America’s farmers and ranchers, and we want to continue our work with customers while taking precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus,” says Farm Service Agency Administrator Richard Fordyce according to a statement released on March 26.

“We recognize that farm loans are critical for annual operating and family living expenses, emergency needs and cash flow through times like this. FSA is working to find and use every option and flexibility to provide producers with credit options and other program benefits.”

During the COVID-19 crisis agricultural producers will be able to continue working with FSA staff regarding most agency services including program signups, loan servicing and other important actions.

The loan-marketing process has been relaxed and FSA is adding some flexibility to service direct and guaranteed loans as needed for producers.

FSA Service Centers are remaining open for business, but only by phone appointment. The agency is assuring producers that delivery staff will continue to man the office to work with them through email, online tools and over the phone.

According to the release, continued services include:

Farm loan-making process

The FSA has added more flexibility to the loan process by:

Direct loans

Deadlines also being extended for producers to respond to loan servicing actions, including loan deferral consideration for financially distressed and delinquent borrowers.

The agency will also temporarily suspend loan accelerations, non-judicial foreclosures, and referring foreclosures to the Department of Justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will make the determination whether to stop foreclosures and evictions on accounts under its jurisdiction.

Guaranteed loans

Guarantee lenders can self-certify, providing their borrowers with:

FSA will consider guaranteed lender requests for:

Contacting FSA

FSA will be accepting additional forms and applications by facsimile or electronic signature. Some services are also available online to customers with an eAuth account, which provides access to the farmers.gov portal where producers can view USDA farm loan information and payments and view and track certain USDA program applications and payments. Customers can track payments, report completed practices, request conservation assistance and electronically sign documents. Customers who do not already have an eAuth account can enroll at farmers.gov/sign-in.

FSA encourages producers to contact their county office to discuss these programs and temporary changes to farm loan deadlines and the loan servicing options available. For Service Center contact information, visit farmers.gov/coronavirus.