Agricultural Management Assistance Program
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | Farm Service Agency |
| Top Organization | Department of Agriculture |
| Creation Legislation | Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | To assist producers in managing financial risk through practices that promote conservation, diversification, or resource management, targeting agricultural operations in states where crop insurance participation is historically low.[1] |
| Program Start | 2001 |
| Initial Funding | |
| Duration | Indefinite |
| Historic | No |
In United States federal agriculture legislation, the Agricultural Management Assistance Program was authorized in the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000 (P.L. 106-224, Sec. 133) and permanently authorized and amended in the 2002 farm bill (P.L. 107-171, Sec. 2501) to provide mandatory funding of $20 million annually from FY2003 through FY 2007 and $10 million in all other years (but annual appropriations laws have reduced the funding). Participants in 15 designated states, primarily in the northeast, that had been under-served by crop insurance are to receive financial assistance, not to exceed $50,000 per year, to help pay to install conservation practices and take other specified actions that will reduce their financial risk.
It supported agricultural producers in implementing conservation, risk management, and diversification practices, particularly in states with historically low participation in federal crop insurance. AMA provides financial assistance to help farmers and ranchers enhance their operations' sustainability and resilience, focusing on areas like water management, soil conservation, and organic certification.[2]
Goals
- Assist producers in adopting practices that reduce financial risk.[3]
- Encourage conservation and environmentally beneficial farming practices.
- Promote diversification in agricultural operations to stabilize income.
Organization
The AMA is managed by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), with administration also involving the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for conservation practices and the Risk Management Agency (RMA) for risk management provisions. Funding for AMA comes from USDA's budget, with cost-share requirements for participants.
The leadership role for this program is typically held by the **Administrator of the Farm Service Agency** or a designated program manager.
Partners
History
AMA was established by the **Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000** to address the need for risk management and conservation support in specific states. Over time, it has expanded its scope to include more states and a broader range of practices. Key historical developments include the program's focus on organic certification cost-share and the integration of new conservation practices as technology and techniques evolve.
Funding
While specific initial funding amounts are not detailed, AMA is funded annually through USDA appropriations. Participants receive financial assistance covering up to 75% of the cost to implement eligible practices, with a maximum of $50,000 per participant per fiscal year.
Implementation
Implementation involves:
- Producers applying through local FSA offices for projects that align with AMA objectives.
- Selection of practices based on their potential to meet conservation or risk management goals.
- Monitoring and reporting to ensure compliance with program requirements.
AMA is designed to continue supporting agricultural sustainability indefinitely.
Related
External links
- https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/ama
- wikipedia:Agricultural Management Assistance Program
References
- ↑ "Agricultural Management Assistance". https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/ama. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
- ↑ "Agricultural Management Assistance". https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/ama. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
- ↑ "Agricultural Management Assistance". https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/ama. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
This article incorporates public domain material from Jasper Womach, Report for Congress: Agriculture: A Glossary of Terms, Programs, and Laws, 2005 Edition, Congressional Research Service, http://ncseonline.org/nle/crsreports/05jun/97-905.pdf