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Many growers—especially those with smaller operations—aren’t registered with FSA. Unfortunately, that means they may be missing out on grants, disaster relief, and cost-share programs they would otherwise qualify for.
Whether you manage 5 acres or 500, getting your acreage certified is a simple but powerful way to safeguard your investment and open the door to valuable support.
These programs are especially helpful for pecan growers looking to improve long-term orchard health while reducing input costs.
Discussing orchard management with a Louisiana pecan grower.
Some growers assume they’re too small to qualify for federal programs, or that the process is too complicated to be worth the effort. In reality, many programs are designed with small and mid-sized growers in mind, and local FSA staff are there to help walk you through the process.
Even if your orchard is just a few acres, certifying your land can make you eligible for programs that help you recover from weather events, improve your infrastructure, or reduce your input costs.
1. Locate Your Local FSA Office
Visit farmers.gov/service-locator to find your nearest office.
2. Call Ahead
Make an appointment and ask what documents you’ll need. Typically, you’ll bring:
3. Apply for a Farm Number
If you don’t already have one, this is your first step. A Farm Number is your official ID with USDA and is required to participate in most programs.
Your first visit may take more than an hour, especially if you're new to the system—but it's time well spent. Once you're in the system, future updates are much quicker.
4. Complete the Acreage Report (FSA-578)
This is the form that officially certifies your planted acreage.
You can download the form directly from the USDA at: 578-FSA Manual - Estimate and Certification of Actual Cost.
5. Update Annually or When Changes Occur
Keeping your records current ensures you remain eligible for all available programs. You can certify your acreage at any time, but to stay eligible for USDA programs, you must update your acreage report every year—typically by July 15. Even if your orchard hasn’t changed, submitting an updated FSA-578 form annually keeps your records current and your eligibility active.
Once your acreage is certified, your information is kept on file with FSA. This makes it easier to apply for assistance programs in the future—whether it’s disaster relief, conservation funding, or market support. You won’t need to refile unless your acreage changes or you add new crops.
As climate variability increases and input costs rise, having access to federal support programs is more important than ever. Certifying your acreage is a small step that can make a big difference when you need it most—whether it’s recovering from a storm, upgrading your irrigation system, or applying for conservation funding.
When more growers take part, it also helps strengthen the voice and visibility of Louisiana’s specialty crop producers—ensuring that programs continue to reflect the needs of our orchards and communities.
Sample pages from the USDA FSA-578 form (Report of Acreage).
