For Immediate Release

May 17, 2012

Contact:

Ethel Truly, Communications Coordinator

601-965-4300, ext.102

(Jackson, Miss.) May 17, 2012 – USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Mississippi Executive Director Michael R. Sullivan reminds producers of the approaching June1, 2012, deadline for FSA's Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE), the Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program (DCP) and the Average Crop Revenue Election Program (ACRE).

"It is crucial that producers meet the deadline for these programs in order to receive disaster and income support," said Sullivan. "FSA realizes that farmers and ranchers take risks every day, and these programs form part of the safety net that can keep producers operating after devastating natural disasters and during times of low market prices," he said.

The SURE program compensates producers for production and/or quality losses during times of disaster. All producers who have experienced crop production and/or crop quality losses during the 2010 crop year must apply for SURE program benefits by the June 1 deadline. Eligibility requirements differ between producers located in counties designated as a primary or contiguous disaster county by the Secretary of Agriculture and between producers located in non-disaster counties. In addition to other eligibility requirements, producers must have purchased crop insurance provided under the Federal Crop Insurance Act or through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP).

While SURE helps after natural disasters strike, DCP and ACRE can provide income support when commodity prices decline. Eligible DCP participants receive a direct payment and/or a counter-cyclical payment. Direct payment rates are established by statute, regardless of market prices. FSA reminds producers that the 2008 Farm Bill does not authorize advance direct payments for 2012. Counter-cyclical payments vary depending on market prices, and are issued only when the effective price for a commodity is below its target price.

ACRE protects producers from farm market revenue declines when revenue triggers are met for a commodity at both the state and farm level. All owners and operators who will share in the DCP and ACRE payments on the farm must sign up by June 1.

"ACRE elections and enrollment must be completed by the June 1 deadline, as late file provisions are not available for ACRE," said Sullivan. "If elected in a previous year, producers must enroll for 2012 by June 1 to receive payment," he said.

For questions regarding SURE, DCP or ACRE sign-up, please contact your local FSA office.

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