Payment program
2026 Crop Year Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC)
USDA
What you can get
ARC provides support when covered farm revenue falls below its guarantee; PLC when covered commodity prices fall below the effective reference price.
- Readiness
- Ready to apply
- Who can apply
- producer, Agricultural producers with a share interest in covered commodities grown on a farm with base acres
- Coverage
- Available nationwide
- Deadline & timing
- Due December 11, 2026. 2026 ARC/PLC election and enrollment runs September 16 through December 11, 2026. If no 2026 election is submitted by December 11, the prior (2025) election carries over and the farm is ineligible for 2026 payments. Producers must enroll through a signed contract each year (a new multi-year contract for 2026-2031 is optional). 2027 election and enrollment runs November 2, 2026 through March 15, 2027. Contact your local FSA office.
- Eligibility
- Landowners without a share interest in the crops cannot enroll. An annual signed enrollment contract is required; consult FSA about the new multi-year option.
risk management
Optional expert service · $249
Turn program research into an application package.
An eligibility screen for one farm, a shortlist of up to three relevant programs, and draft practice justifications and a document checklist for one selected application. Delivered within 7 business days after intake.
Last verified Oct 1, 2026. Always confirm current terms and deadlines on the official site before applying.
Plan your next step
Run a quick soil assessment or ask an agronomist how this program fits your fields.