Farmers across the country are facing financial uncertainty following the USDA’s decision to freeze and terminate contracts under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). The move has disrupted long-term environmental projects, leading many farmers to seek legal guidance.
A legal resource from Farm Commons outlines potential legal actions farmers could take in response to the funding cuts.
"Farmers affected by the freeze may have legal remedies, including breach of contract and violation of the Administrative Procedures Act," the document states.
Dr. Tatiana Stanton, who specializes in livestock processing and agricultural policy at Cornell University, has shared legal resources with small farmers in New York. In a recent email, she circulated materials from multiple agencies, including guidance on USDA contract freezes and information about the National Appeals Division (NAD) appeals process.
The EQIP and CSP agreements allow the USDA to cancel contracts if it determines that “termination is in the public interest.” However, legal precedent suggests that affected farmers may be able to challenge the decision in court.
Farmers are encouraged to review their contracts and consider filing a National Appeals Division (NAD) appeal or demand letter. More details on the appeals process can be found on the USDA’s website.
For further information, farmers can download updated legal guidance from Farm Commons.
