Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act

H.R. 4127: Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act

This bill expands eligibility for federal disaster assistance to farmers and ranchers who are currently excluded because of their income levels. Under existing law, producers are generally ineligible for certain USDA disaster programs if their average adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds $900,000. This legislation would waive that limit for individuals or businesses that earn at least 75% of their income from agriculture-related activities, including farming, ranching, forestry, agritourism, and direct-to-consumer sales.

The practical impact of this bill is to ensure that full-time agricultural producers—particularly those in high-cost regions or those managing high-value crops—can access emergency relief following natural disasters, regardless of their total income. By shifting the focus from a strict income cap to the percentage of income derived from farming, the bill aims to provide a safety net for specialized operations that face significant financial risks from extreme weather, pests, or disease. The programs affected by this change include those providing relief for livestock losses, honey bee and farm-raised fish mortality, and damage to orchards and nurseries.