Rhode Island Service Center Newsletter - December 18, 2024
In This Issue:
Season's Greetings & Happy New Year to all our customers, partners and staff! As you can see from our newsletter stories, we have historic levels of funding for our conservation programs through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Farm Bill, and we encourage interested Rhode Islanders to apply for assistance today. We are thankful that we are able to provide our Ocean State farmers, forest managers, oyster growers, ranchers & urban growers with this opportunity.
We are working diligently with Rhode Island cities and towns to address flooding issues from 2024 storm events and are finishing up property buyouts in the flooded areas of the Luther's Corner neighborhood in East Providence. We are also looking forward to implementing the Pocasset watershed flood reduction project and completing planning for the Wood-Pawcatuck and Woonasquatucket watersheds in 2025.
As we head into 2025, I hope that you enjoy this season and the opportunity it brings to take extra care of yourselves. We have so much to look forward to in the next year, and I can’t wait to see how much more we will accomplish together. We at NRCS are looking forward to serving our clients in 2025 and many more years to come!
Have a Happy Holiday season,
Phou “Pooh” Vongkhamdy, NRCS Rhode Island State Conservationist
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December 31, 2024 - Deadline to submit a 2025 Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) Application for Coverage for honey and maple sap.
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January 8, 2025 - Deadline to apply for the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program.
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January 10, 2025 - Second conservation program (ACEP, AMA, CSP, EQIP) signup cut-off date.
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January 29, 2025 - Northern RI Conservation District Local Working Group Meeting, Jesse Smith Memorial Library, Harrisville.
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January 30, 2025 - Deadline to file a notice of loss and application for payment for 2024 Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish ELAP.
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January 31, 2025 - Deadline to apply for 2024 Specialty Crop On-Farm Food Safety Expenses.
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February 12, 2025 - Eastern RI Conservation District Local Working Group Meeting, Greenvale Vineyards, Portsmouth.
More than $16 million is available for conservation practices on farms, ranches, private forest land & urban gardens throughout the Ocean State. Apply by January 10, 2025, to be eligible for the second round of fiscal year 2025 funding. Call your local NRCS Field Office (401-822-8848) or Conservation District Office for more information or to apply.
Available conservation practices and initiatives include, but are not limited to,
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Combustion system improvement and energy initiative practices to help farmers and forest managers to replace outdated engines, lighting and other equipment with new, cleaner-burning technology.
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Comprehensive nutrient management plan implementation practices to minimize or eliminate surface water or groundwater pollution or to minimize emissions (like greenhouse gases) to improve air quality.
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Climate-smart ag and forestry activities that create or enhance pollinator or wildlife habitat on farms, forest lands, ranches, and urban areas.
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Oyster reef restoration initiative practices to improve water quality and encourage the development of wildlife habitat by implementing conservation practices that create oyster reefs.
- Targeted conservation actions through the National Water Quality Initiative to improve water quality in the Sakonnet River and Tomaquag Brook-Pawcatuck River watersheds.
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Regional Conservation Partnership Projects to collaborate with farmers, forest landowners, tribes and public land managers to mitigate wildfire risk, improve water quality, and restore forest ecosystems.
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Urban agriculture assistance to help urban and small-scale farmers install conservation practices to improve the health and resiliency of their operations.
Funding is provided through a competitive process. NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round but sets state-specific ranking dates to evaluate applications for funding. Application cutoff periods allow NRCS to screen and rank applications for those with the highest conservation benefits across Rhode Island’s landscapes, including cropland, pastureland, and private non-industrial forestlands. The next application cutoff date is Friday, January 10, 2025. Applications received after this ranking date will be automatically deferred to the next funding period.
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 The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) supported more than 23,000 climate-focused conservation contracts nationwide funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. These investments cover over 11 million acres in fiscal year 2024, contributing to the highest total investment in private lands conservation in any year in the history of USDA-NRCS. The Biden-Harris Administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in climate action in history, bolstered funding for NRCS’ in-demand conservation programs for climate-smart practices on farms, ranches, and forests.
In Rhode Island, NRCS obligated over $1.6 million to support farmers, forest managers, ranchers and urban growers through 118 climate-focused conservation contracts on 5,146 acres under the Inflation Reduction Act. Learn more...
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This year marks the 10th anniversary of our global World Soil Day celebration! To commemorate the day, NRCS created a slideshow highlighting the Soils of Rhode Island: https://youtu.be/uv3BHjLIdgk!
World Soil Day (WSD) is observed annually on December 5th to focus attention on the importance of healthy soils and advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources. The theme for this year's celebration – "Caring for Soils: Measure, Monitor, Manage" – underscores the importance of accurate soil data and information in understanding soil characteristics and supporting informed decision-making on sustainable soil management for food security. Learn more...
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Monarch butterflies with their iconic orange and black wings are important pollinators and a key part of many ecosystems, but their numbers have been steadily declining. Last week the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a proposal in the Federal Register to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The USFWS is also proposing to designate critical habitat at the overwintering grounds in California. There will be a 90-day comment period for the public to provide input on the proposed rule. If USFWS decides to list the monarch butterfly as an endangered species after the comment period, the listing wouldn’t occur until at least January 2026. The proposed rule includes flexibilities for agriculture with the goal of encouraging monarch conservation on private lands, and USDA has been proactively working with USFWS to minimize impacts to producers who participate in conservation programs through NRCS and FSA. For more information, please visit this USFWS webpage.
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USDA Makes $2 Billion Available to Support Expansion of Current and Development of New Markets
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) $2 billion Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program, aimed at helping specialty crop producers expand markets and manage higher costs, is now accepting applications from Dec. 10, 2024 through Jan. 8, 2025. Funded by the Commodity Credit Corporation, MASC was announced in November alongside the $140 million Commodity Storage Assistance Program for facilities impacted by 2024 natural disasters.
MASC helps specialty crop producers meet higher marketing costs related to:
- Perishability of specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, floriculture, nursey crops and herbs;
- Specialized handling and transport equipment with temperature and humidity control;
- Packaging to prevent damage;
- Moving perishables to market quickly; and
- Higher labor costs.
MASC Eligibility
To be eligible for MASC, a producer must be in business at the time of application, maintain an ownership share and share in the risk of producing a specialty crop that will be sold in calendar year 2025.
MASC covers the following commercially marketed specialty crops:
- Fruits (fresh, dried);
- Vegetables (including dry edible beans and peas, mushrooms, and vegetable seed);
- Tree nuts;
- Nursery crops, Christmas trees, and floriculture;
- Culinary and medicinal herbs and spices; and
- Honey, hops, maple sap, tea, turfgrass and grass seed.
Applying for MASC
Eligible established specialty crop producers can apply for MASC benefits by completing the FSA-1140, Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) Program Application, and submitting the form to any FSA county office by Jan. 8, 2025. When applying, eligible specialty crop producers must certify their specialty crop sales for calendar year 2023 or 2024.
New specialty crop producers are required to certify 2025 expected sales, submit an FSA-1141 application and provide certain documentation to support reported sales i.e., receipts, contracts, acreage reports, input receipts, etc. New producers are those who began producing specialty crops in 2023 or 2024 but did not have sales due to the immaturity of the crop, began producing specialty crops in 2024 but did not have a complete year of sales or will begin growing specialty crops in 2025.
MASC applicants, established and new, must also submit the following information to FSA if not already on file at the time of application:
- Form AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet.
- Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan for an individual or legal entity.
- Form CCC-941, Average Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Certification and Consent to Disclosure of Tax Information.
- Form FSA-942, Certification of Income from Farming, Ranching and Forestry Operations, if applicable, for the producer and members of entities.
- A highly erodible land conservation (sometimes referred to as HELC) and wetland conservation certification (Form AD-1026 Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification) for the ERP producer and applicable affiliates.
- Other Documentation if requested by FSA to support reported specialty crop sales.
Most producers, especially those who have previously participated in FSA programs, will likely have these required forms on file. However, those who are uncertain or want to confirm the status of their forms or producers who may be new to conducting business with FSA, can reach out to the RI FSA Office at (401) 828-3120 (ext. 1) or email Lillian Toth at Lillian.Toth@usda.gov.
For MASC program participation, eligible specialty crop sales only include sales of commercially marketed raw specialty crops grown in the United States by the producer. The portion of sales derived from adding value to a specialty crop (such as sorting, processing, or packaging) is not included when determining eligible sales. Further explanation of what is considered by FSA for specialty crop sales as well as an online MASC decision tool and applicable program forms, are available on the MASC program webpage.
MASC Payments
For established specialty crop growers, those who certify crop sales in 2023 or 2024, FSA will calculate MASC payments based on the producer’s total specialty crop sales for the calendar year elected by the producer. Payments for new producers will be based on their expected 2025 calendar year sales. Payment calculation details and examples are available on the MASC webpage or related questions can be directed to local FSA county office staff.
FSA will issue MASC payments after the end of the application period. If demand for MASC payments exceeds available funding, MASC payments may be prorated, and the payment limitation of $125,000 may be lowered. If additional funding is available after MASC payments are issued, FSA may issue an additional payment.
Specialty crop producers interested in applying for MASC benefits, are encouraged to review the program fact sheet for detailed information on program eligibility, required documentation, payment calculations and more.
More Information
Additional information on MASC is available in the Notice of Funding Availability, which went on public inspection in the Federal Register on Dec. 9, 2024.
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Urban and innovative agriculture producers will be able to more easily participate in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs as a result of acreage reporting improvements. These improvements, implemented by USDA’s Farm Service Agency, provide more flexibility for reporting acreage on a smaller scale and identifying innovative planting practices like multi-level planting or vertical farming practices.
An acreage report documents crops and where they are grown on a farm or ranch along with the intended use of the crop. Filing an accurate and timely acreage report for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage and prevented planted acreage, can prevent the loss of program benefits.
Acreage Reporting Improvements
FSA’s acreage reporting software previously allowed acreage to be reported down to .0001 acres, approximately a four-square foot area. Producers will now be able to report acreage-based crops at a minimum size of .000001 acre, approximately a 2.5-inch by 2.5-inch area.
Additional improvements will distinguish alternate growing methods such as crops grown within multiple levels of a building, or crops grown using multi-level or multi-layer growing structures such as panels or towers within a container system. This change allows the distinction of vertical farming practices. Urban and innovative producers will also have the option to report plant inventory along with their acreage-based report, allowing producers to better report the full scope of their operation. Producers can contact FSA at their local USDA Service Center for acreage reporting deadlines that are specific to their county. Read more here...
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Apply for a Farm Storage Facility Loan today
Agricultural producers of perishable commodities including fruits, vegetables and floriculture can now get funding for controlled atmosphere storage through Farm Storage Facility Loans (FSFL) offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). Controlled atmosphere storage regulates the concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen in a storage room to increase the shelf life of crops.
In addition to now supporting controlled atmosphere storage, FSFLs also provide low-interest financing to help producers build or upgrade storage facilities and to purchase portable (new or used) structures, equipment and storage and handling trucks.
The low-interest funds can also be used for controlled atmosphere storage monitoring equipment, designed to notify facility owners immediately if potential atmospheric concerns are detected. Producers may renovate existing storage facilities to include controlled atmosphere storage monitoring equipment. Authorized loan terms for FSFL renovations are three and five years only.
To assist with monitoring gases and particle concentrations for controlled atmosphere storage, the following equipment, but not limited to, is eligible for an FSFL:
- Optical oxygen sensor.
- Low power CO2 sensor.
- Air quality sensor.
- Gas detection devices.
- Air temperature and relative humidity sensor.
- Water activity meter.
- Temperature stabilized water activity analyzer.
- Precision and performance humidity and temperature transmitter.
Loans of up to $50,000 can be secured by a promissory note/security agreement, loans between $50,000 and $100,000 may require additional security and loans exceeding $100,000 require additional security.
FSFL borrowers do not need to demonstrate lack of commercial credit availability to apply. The loans are designed to assist a diverse range of agricultural operations, including small and mid-sized businesses, new farmers and ranchers, operations supplying local food and farmers markets, non-traditional farm products and underserved producers.
For more information, see the FSFL fact sheet and contact FSA at your local USDA Service Center.
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 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program to now include medium-sized businesses in addition to small businesses. Eligible specialty crop growers can apply for assistance for expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety certification. The program has also been expanded to include assistance for 2024 and 2025 expenses. Producers can apply for assistance on their calendar year 2024 expenses beginning July 1, 2024, through Jan. 31, 2025. For program year 2025, the application period will be Jan. 1, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026.
Program Details
FSCSC assists specialty crop operations that incurred eligible on-farm food safety certification and expenses related to obtaining or renewing a food safety. FSCSC covers a percentage of the specialty crop operation’s cost of obtaining or renewing its certification, as well as a portion of related expenses.
Eligible FSCSC applicants must be a specialty crop operation; meet the definition of a small or medium-size business and have paid eligible expenses related to certification. Read more here...
Foreign Investors Must Report U.S. Agricultural Land Holdings
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds foreign investors with an interest in agricultural land in the United States that they are required to report their land holdings and transactions to USDA...
Highly Erodible Land (HEL) and Wetland Conservation Compliance
Landowners and operators are reminded that in order to receive payments from USDA, compliance with Highly Erodible Land (HEL) and Wetland Conservation (WC) provisions are required. Farmers with HEL determined soils are reminded of tillage, crop residue, and rotation requirements as specified per their conservation plan. Producers are to notify the USDA Farm Service Agency prior to breaking sod, clearing land (tree removal), and of any drainage projects (tiling, ditching, etc.) to ensure compliance. Failure to update certification of compliance, with form AD-1026, triggering applicable HEL and/or wetland determinations, for any of these situations, can result in the loss of FSA farm program payments, FSA farm loans, NRCS program payments, and premium subsidy to Federal Crop Insurance administered by RMA...
Annual Review of Payment Eligibility for New Crop Year
FSA and NRCS program applicants for benefits are required to submit a completed CCC-902 Farming Operation Plan and CCC-941 Average Gross Income (AGI) Certification and Consent to Disclosure of Tax Information for FSA to determine the applicant’s payment eligibility and establish the maximum payment limitation applicable to the program applicant.
Participants are not required to annually submit new CCC-902s for payment eligibility and payment limitation purposes unless a change in the farming operation occurs that may affect the previous determination of record. However, participants are responsible for ensuring that all CCC-902 and CCC-941 and related forms on file in the county office are updated, current, and correct. Participants are required to timely notify the county office of any changes in the farming operation that may affect the previous determination of record by filing a new or updated CCC-902 as applicable.
Update Your Records
FSA is cleaning up our producer record database and needs your help. Please report any changes of address, zip code, phone number, email address or an incorrect name or business name on file to our office. You should also report changes in your farm operation, like the addition of a farm by lease or purchase. You should also report any changes to your operation in which you reorganize to form a Trust, LLC or other legal entity.
FSA and NRCS program participants are required to promptly report changes in their farming operation to the County Committee in writing and to update their Farm Operating Plan on form CCC-902.
To update your records, please contact the RI FSA Office at (401) 828-3120 (ext 1) or email Lillian Toth at Lillian.Toth@usda.gov.
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 Learn how a California Winegrape grower is overcoming harsh weather and market challenges with the help of USDA’s Risk Management Agency
What happens when your most profitable crop is also your riskiest? That’s the case for Jason Smith, a second generation winegrape grower in California’s Salinas Valley. Jason says that putting food on your plate and wine in your glass also means putting crop insurance into his farm’s business plan.
The winegrape business is one shot at one harvest. If that crop is lost, so is the whole year. For Jason crop insurance has been paramount, especially over the last 10 years. Through the support of USDA and RMA, Jason along with other wine grape growers, have a sense of security to know that if a catastrophic event happens, they are going to be able to survive and plant again the next year.
Watch Producers Behind the Policies Coast to Coast with the Risk Management Agency to learn how Jason overcomes the risks associated with growing winegrapes in California. We can drink to that! Learn more here!
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) encourages small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island with economic losses due to severe storms and flooding on Dec. 17-19, 2023, to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) before the Dec. 23 deadline.
Small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and private nonprofit organizations in the following counties are eligible to apply: Bristol, Newport, Kent, Providence, and Washington in Rhode Island; New London and Windham in Connecticut; and Bristol, Norfolk, and Worcester in Massachusetts.
On Oct. 15, 2024, it was announced that funds for the Disaster Loan Program have been fully expended. While no new loans can be issued until Congress appropriates additional funding, we remain committed to supporting disaster survivors. Applications will continue to be accepted and processed to ensure individuals and businesses are prepared to receive assistance once funding becomes available.
EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.
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USDA – Rhode Island
60 Quaker Lane
Warwick, RI 02886
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Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
State Conservationist - Pooh Vongkhamdy
401-828-1300 | www.RI.nrcs.usda.gov
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Eastern RI – Serving Newport and Bristol counties
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NRCS Field Office
Ghyllian Alger, District Conservationist
401-822-8835/ Ghyllian.Alger@usda.gov
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Conservation District Office
401-934-0842/ info@easternriconservation.org
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Northern RI – Serving Providence County
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NRCS Field Office
Kate Bousquet, District Conservationist
401-822-8814/ Kate.Bousquet@usda.gov
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Conservation District Office
401-934-0840/ mallard.nricd@gmail.com
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Southern RI – Serving Kent and Washington counties
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NRCS Field Office
Jameson Long, District Conservationist
401-822-8837/ Jameson.Long@usda.gov
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Conservation District Office
401-661-5761/ sricd.info@gmail.com
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RI FSA County Office, Suite 49
RI FSA Farm Loan Team, Suite 62
RI FSA State Office, Suite 62
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401-828-3120 Option 1
401-828-3120 Option 2
401-828-3120 Option 3
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County Committee
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Joseph Polseno, Chairperson
Erin Cabot, Member
Gilbert Rathbun Jr., Member
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John Sousa, Vice Chairperson
William Coulter, Member
Dawn M Spears, SDA Member
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State Committee
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Al Bettencourt, Chairperson
Albert Brandon, Member
Michelle Garman, Member
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Maggie Cole, Member
Cristina Cabrera, Member
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