United States Department of Agriculture FAQ

Answers to your most common questions about United States Department of Agriculture.

Quick, simple, and helpful information at a glance.

What is USDA?
USDA stands for United States Department of Agriculture. It is the government agency responsible for overseeing and regulating agriculture, food, and natural resources in the United States.
Why am I getting an error message when trying to access the USDA website?
It is possible that the website is experiencing technical difficulties or is undergoing maintenance. Try refreshing the page or accessing it at a different time.
How do I report a problem with the USDA website?
You can report any issues or concerns through the USDA's Contact Us page on their website.
How do I find information about food safety recalls on the USDA website?
You can find information about food safety recalls on the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) page.
What do I do if I suspect a food product is contaminated?
If you suspect a food product is contaminated, you can report it to the FSIS through their website or by calling their toll-free hotline at 1-888-674-6854.
Why is my USDA loan application taking so long to process?
The processing time for USDA loans may vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your specific loan. Contact your lender for updates on the status of your application.
What is an eligible rural area for the purposes of USDA loan eligibility?
Eligible rural areas are determined by the USDA based on population density and other factors. You can check the eligibility of a specific address on the USDA's website.
How long does it take for a USDA home loan to be approved?
The approval process for USDA home loans can take several weeks to a few months, depending on the specifics of your application and the volume of applications being processed. Contact your lender for an estimated timeline.
What do I do if I received a suspicious email claiming to be from the USDA?
The USDA will never ask for personal or financial information through email. Do not respond to the email and report it to the USDA's Office of Inspector General through their website.
Why is my SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) application taking so long to process?
The processing time for SNAP applications may vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your specific case. Contact your local SNAP office for updates on the status of your application.
How much money am I eligible to receive through the SNAP program?
The amount of money you are eligible to receive through SNAP depends on your household size, income, and other factors. You can use the USDA's SNAP Eligibility Calculator on their website to get an estimate.
How do I find a local USDA service center?
You can find local USDA service centers by using the USDA's Service Center Locator on their website.
Why am I getting an error message when trying to make an online payment for my USDA loan?
This could be due to technical issues on the USDA website or an error in the information you entered. Double-check the information and try again, or contact your lender for assistance.
How do I get help with my farm loan from the USDA?
You can contact your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office or call the toll-free customer service number at 1-877-508-8364 for assistance with farm loans.
What should I do if I suspect a case of animal cruelty or neglect?
You can report cases of animal cruelty or neglect to the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) through their toll-free hotline at 1-866-337-3367.
How do I know if I am eligible for the USDA's COVID-19 relief programs for farmers and ranchers?
Eligibility requirements vary for each COVID-19 relief program offered by the USDA. You can check the eligibility criteria and application process on the USDA's website.
Why is my dairy producer check from the USDA less than I expected?
Dairy producers may receive less than expected payments due to fluctuations in market conditions and changes in government programs. Contact your local FSA office for further clarification.
How do I get a copy of my land survey document from the USDA?
Land survey documents can be obtained from your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office. You can find the contact information for your local office on the USDA's website.
Why was my SNAP eligibility redetermined?
SNAP eligibility may be redetermined based on any changes in your household composition, income, or other factors. Contact your local SNAP office for further information.
How do I report a problem with a pesticide product?
You can report problems or concerns with pesticide products to the USDA's National Pesticide Information Center through their toll-free hotline at 1-800-858-7368.
Why am I being asked for more information on my loan application by the USDA?
The USDA may require additional information or documentation to process your loan application. Contact your lender for more details on what is needed.
How do I file a complaint against a USDA-regulated business?
Complaints against USDA-regulated businesses can be filed with the USDA's Grain Inspection, Packers, and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) through their website or by calling 1-800-998-3447.
Why did the USDA deny my direct farm ownership loan application?
The USDA may deny direct farm ownership loan applications due to various factors, such as insufficient credit history or inadequate repayment ability. Contact your local FSA office for further explanation.
How do I request a copy of my credit report from the USDA?
You can request a free copy of your credit report from the USDA's National Credit Reporting System (NCRS) by mail or fax. Information on how to request your report is available on their website.
How do I know if the organic label on a product is trustworthy?
The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service is responsible for certifying organic products and maintaining a database of all certified producers and handlers. You can search the database on the USDA's website to verify the authenticity of an organic label.
Why was my SNAP benefit amount reduced?
SNAP benefit amounts may be reduced due to changes in income, household size, or other factors. Contact your local SNAP office for further information on the specific reasons for the reduction.