Skip to main content
 
  • Click to open or close the program search boxShow Me Programs
    • Show me the programs that are
      performing Go
    • Show me the programs that are
      not performing Go
ExpectMore.govExpectMore.gov home pageEXPECT FEDERAL PROGRAMS TO PERFORM WELL, AND BETTER EVERY YEAR.
 
Program Assessment

Program

View Assessment Details

Direct Crop Payments

USDA's Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) provides direct payments (cash) to eligible crop farmers. The intent is to provide a safety net for farmers, but to otherwise continue to allow them planting flexibility. Roughly 41 percent of farms receive direct payments.

Rating

What This Rating Means

PERFORMING
Adequate

This rating describes a program that needs to set more ambitious goals, achieve better results, improve accountability or strengthen its management practices.
  • The program design could be improved. Direct payments are provided to only 36% of U.S. farmers, 60% of whom have annual sales of at least $50,000.
  • The program is generally well managed. The program management has devised performance goals that are designed to improve the delivery of the program benefits to farmers.
  • There is significant evidence that direct payments are capitalized into land values and consequently increase cash rents. Therefore, the payments limit beginning farmers' ability to get into farming and limit the ability of small farmers (particularly those not receiving them).

Improvement Plan

About Improvement Plans

We are taking the following actions to improve the performance of the program:

  • Reviewing and implementing the new Farm Bill including developing rules and regulations.
  • Continuing to lower improper payments.
  • Improving information sharing with other USDA agencies.

Learn More
The content on ExpectMore.gov is developed by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget and Federal agencies.