For many growers in Alaska one of the largest costs we run into is transportation, which often leads to many to worry about being able to be competitive or with any profit after it is all said and done. To help with this issue the Farm Service Agency has been operating the Reimbursement Transportation Cost Payment Program for at least the last 10 years. This program is limited as to when you can apply during the year. For 2022 application opened July 11th and will close September 2nd. RTCP is a program designed specifically for those areas that are not a part of the continental United States and is only open to: Hawaii; Alaska; Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; Guam; American Samoa; Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; Federated States of Micronesia; Republic of the Marshall Islands; Republic of Palau; and Virgin Islands of the United States.

It takes about 15 mins to complete the initial application and can be done over the phone by calling your local FSA agent. Costs that are eligible for this program include a wide range of areas that tend to be high cost for those of us not attached to the main area of the US. Here is the informational flyer explaining the program below and also where you can find additional information or forms on the FSA website.