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Friday, March 29, 2024
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USDA Service Centers Taking Precautionary Measures to Prevent Coronavirus

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Centers are encouraging visitors to take proactive protective measures to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

USDA Service Centers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will continue to be open for business by phone appointment only, and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While the program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, the staff will be working with producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible.

All service center visitors wishing to conduct business with the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other service center agency are required to call their service center to schedule a phone appointment. In the event a service center is closed, producers can receive assistance from the closest alternate service center by phone. Producers can find the phone numbers at www.farmers.gov/service-center-locator.

FPAC agencies continue to look at the flexibilities to deliver programs on behalf of producers, just as they have in past situations, such as natural disasters. Farmers and ranchers are resilient and FPAC agencies will continue to deliver the farm safety net programs and resource conservation programs that keep American agriculture in business.

Online services are available to customers with an eAuth account, which provides access to the www.farmers.gov portal   where producers can view USDA farm loan information and payments and view and track certain USDA program applications and payments.

Online Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) services are available to customers through the Conservation Client Gateway. Customers can track payments, report completed practices, request conservation assistance and electronically sign documents. Customers who do not already have an eAuth account can enroll at www.farmers.gov/sign-in.

For the most current updates on available services and service center status, visit www.farmers.gov/coronavirus.

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