USDA Pays Nearly $2 Million to Producers for Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program

Contact:
FPAC.BC.Press@usda.gov

GAINESVILLE, Fla., May 19, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced nearly $2 million will be issued to 882 producers through the 2021 Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment (RTCP) program beginning on May 19, 2022. The RTCP helps eligible farmers and ranchers outside the contiguous U.S., including those in the Caribbean, offset a portion of the cost of transporting agricultural products or inputs used to produce an agricultural commodity over long distances.

“By offsetting the increased cost of transporting valuable agricultural products and inputs to remote locations, this program ensures inclusivity and builds equity for diverse communities of U.S. farmers and ranchers who are at a competitive disadvantage due to their location,” said Deborah Tannenbaum, State Executive Director for FSA for the U.S. Virgin Islands. “Ninety-two producers in the Caribbean will receive nearly $34,000 to help mitigate the increased costs of doing business.”

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2019 reauthorized RTCP and allows farmers and ranchers in Alaska, Hawaii and insular areas including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Virgin Islands of the United States, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands and Republic of Palau, to recover any costs to transport agricultural commodities or inputs used to produce an agricultural commodity.

RTCP payments are calculated based on the costs incurred for transportation of the agricultural commodity or inputs during a fiscal year, subject to an $8,000 per producer cap per fiscal year. Total 2021 claims exceeded available funding; therefore, payments to recipients will be reduced by a payment factor of 0.72%. 

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov. 

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