WASHINGTON — Giving a boost to struggling dairy producers, the Agriculture Department said Thursday it plans to dole out one-time payments to farmers.

The USDA's announcement of the new Dairy Economic Loss Assistance Payment program comes after Congress earlier this year approved $350 million to help the struggling dairy industry, which has been mired in a lengthy downturn.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said he'd heard hundreds of stories from struggling dairy farmers.

"Now, we'll be able to offer them help," he said.

When Congress approved the funding in October, $60 million was set aside to cover purchases of surplus cheese and other dairy products, but the USDA was given wide discretion with the remaining $290 million.