Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced more than $3 billion to fund the Emergency Relief Program (ERP), helping commodity and specialty crop producers impacted by natural disasters in 2022. This funding comes after the Almond Alliance encouraged USDA to expedite funding. 

“Today’s announcement by the USDA represents a vital lifeline for our community of producers,” said Aubrey Bettencourt, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Almond Alliance. “The allocation of over $3 billion to the Emergency Relief Program is not just an investment in the agriculture sector; it’s an investment in the resilience of our nation’s food supply chain and the countless lives it sustains. We appreciate the USDA answering our call for expedited funding and increased transparency, and we remain committed to ensuring that this aid serves as an effective, timely bridge from crisis to recovery for all eligible crop producers.”

Earlier this month, the Almond Alliance submitted a letter to Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, urging more transparency and voicing concerns for lagged support in distributing 2022 ERP funding for almond farmers.

Eligible impacted producers can apply for financial assistance through the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) 2022. The program will help offset the financial impacts of crop yield and value losses from qualifying disasters in 2022.

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About the Almond Alliance

Almond Alliance is the leading authority in state and national policy, championing American almond farmers, industry, and community for the continued global growth, innovation, and success of American almonds and agriculture.

Established in 1980, the Almond Alliance is a non-profit trade association with a local and international network of almond processors, hullers/shellers, growers, and allied businesses. The Alliance is dedicated to providing resources and solutions for our members, ensuring industry success and growth opportunities. Learn more at almondalliance.org