By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for the 2025 Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program (RTCP). This initiative provides critical financial assistance to agricultural producers located outside the 48 contiguous states.
RTCP reimburses a portion of transportation expenses for eligible agricultural commodities and production inputs.
The program supports farmers and ranchers in remote locations including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and several Pacific Island territories.
Enrollment opened July 7 and runs through September 30, 2025. Producers must submit supporting documents by November 3.
The program is authorized through the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, with $3.5 million allocated for this fiscal year.
RTCP payments are capped at $8,000 per producer. However, if demand is lower than available funding, higher caps may be granted. If total claims exceed funds, payment amounts are reduced on a pro-rata basis. In 2024, the program supported over 1,100 producers with the full $3.5 million.
Marcinda Kester, FSA State Executive Director in Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands, stated, “The Regional Transportation Cost Payment Program is a real lifeline for producers, helping cover the extra transportation costs that can add up fast.”
Applications and information are available by calling 1-866-794-1079. The program is one of many tools used by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to ensure that producers in geographically isolated regions are not left behind.
FSA continues to provide critical support to American farmers, including loans, disaster recovery, conservation programs, and marketing support. More details can be found at fsa.usda.gov.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National