We have resources to help assess your options, take action, and gain a little more certainty in these turbulent times!

Print Guides

USDA Contract Freezes and Terminations: Legal Action Steps for Farmers with Signed Contracts Version 2. This resource is written for farmers and ranchers nationwide who have a signed contract with the USDA but have concerns that their contract is frozen, under review, or terminated, and who are uncertain of their rights to receive reimbursement. This resource is also for producers who are uncertain of their rights to receive reimbursement as well as their ongoing obligations under the signed contract. It provides solutions to critical questions like… How can farmers make an appeal or bring a lawsuit to enforce the contract? Are farmers required to perform on the contract even if the funding has been frozen?

For farmers and ranchers nationwide who have a signed contract with USDA and want more information on the mechanics of filing a National Appeals Division (NAD) appeal, check out our free PDF resource, USDA Contract Freezes: Filing an NAD Appeal or Inquiry Letter Version 2. This resource includes sample letters that farmers can use to file their own appeal with NAD around the funding freeze.

We have a third pdf guide titled USDA Contract Freezes and Terminations: Legal Action Steps for Nonprofits with Signed Grant Agreements Version 1. This one is written for nonprofits and entities nationwide who have a signed grant award with RMA, RBCS, NRCS, FSA, NIFA, or AMS, and have received a written notification terminating or freezing grant funds. It provides more information on the mechanics of filing an appeal within the USDA, including filing an NAD appeal or sending a “Review Request” or “Inquiry Letter.”  This resource includes sample letters.

The above resources will be available in Spanish on our ESP site in the near future.

Videos (Recorded Webinars)

Check out our recorded webinar from March 12 on Filing an Appeal to Protect Your Rights for farmers and nonprofit organizations with signed contracts and grants. This program walks folks through the motivations and processes for filing an appeal or an inquiry letter.

Also check out our Federal Funding Freeze Update, recorded from our March 13 webinar. It reviews the latest action steps for farmers and nonprofits, plus general legal perspective as we move forward together.

Upcoming Webinars:

If you are looking for a chance to interact with your peers and have an opportunity to ask your questions about the federal funding freeze, consider joining us for our FREE upcoming webinars:

• Friday, March 28, 2025, at 10 AM CT for Coffee, Community and Conversation Forum: Updates on the Federal Funding Freeze. This event is free and open to the public. Register here.

Please note that the PDF resource links will be updated with newer versions as needed and as the situation continues to develop.

Timely, effective legal education requires expertise and time. We would love your partnership in ensuring we can continue to provide this information to farmers and their advocates for as long as necessary. Please consider donating, joining as a member, and reaching out to us for further opportunities. We appreciate you!