Release No: 10.09.09

Contact: Russ Raeder (608)662.4422 Ext.111

Russ.raeder@wi.usda.gov

Cally Ehle (608)662.4422 Ext.141

Cally.ehle@wi.usda.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(MADISON, WISCONSIN), September 10, 2009 -

Forage, winter wheat, and barley producers interested in participating in FSA's Non-insured Crop Disaster Program or crop insurance in 2010 have until September 30, 2009 to ensure that they meet the necessary requirements.

Forage crops include most spring planted forages and pasture land forages not covered by federal crop insurance. Winter and spring plantings of wheat, barley and rye, and mint also have a September 30, 2009 deadline date.

In addition, perennial crop deadlines on fruit and other crops such as apples, pears, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, honey, maple sap, asparagus and a number of other perennial crops is November 20, 2009. Please check with your crop insurance agent or local FSA regarding the 2010 CI or NAP application deadlines.

By meeting the disaster programs' eligibility requirements, producers may benefit if crop losses or disaster occur.

Each disaster program requires specific policy coverage on certain crops to maintain eligibility in the disaster programs. To retain eligibility for 2010 disaster programs see the following program related requirements below.

SURE (Supplemental Revenue Assistance Programs) provides benefits for farm crop revenue losses due to natural disaster. For a producer to be eligible for SURE all of the farming operation's crops (planted or intended) and all hay crops that are of economic significance must be covered by either Federal Crop Insurance (CI) or NAP coverage. Coverage must also be obtained for other crops for which CI or NAP is available, such as nursery, honey, aquaculture, and floriculture. Grazed crops do not require coverage to be eligible for SURE.

LFP (Livestock Forage Disaster Program) will be available to eligible livestock producers who suffered grazing losses for eligible livestock because of drought on land that is either native or improved pasture land with permanent vegetative cover or planted to a crop specifically for providing grazing. LFP requirements specify the graining land must be located in a county that, according to the US Drought Monitor, has been in a D2 drought status for 8 consecutive weeks, D3 or worse to qualify. All crops intended for grazing must be covered by CI or NAP to be eligible.

TAP (Tree Assistance Program) provides assistance to orchardists and eligible nursery tree growers who produce nursery, ornamental, fruit, nut or Christmas trees for commercial sale that lost trees, bushes, or vines, because of a natural disaster, as determined by the Secretary. Tree vine and bush losses must exceed 15 percent plus the FSA established normal mortality. TAP requires that all crops in all counties be covered by a plan of crop insurance or NAP. This includes all the commodity crops, hay, pastures, fruit, nut, Christmas trees, and ornamental nursery.

ELAP (Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm Raised Fish Program) will provide emergency relief to producers of livestock, honey bees and farm-raised fish, because of losses from adverse weather or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary. This program, like TAP, requires that all crops in all counties also be covered for ELAP eligibility.

Thus, for a producer to be eligible for SURE, LFP, TAP and ELAP, certain crops, if not all crops, must be covered by either CI or NAP coverage. Eligible farmers and ranchers who meet the definition of "Socially Disadvantaged," "Limited Resource," or "Beginning Farmers" do not have to meet this requirement. Producers may contact their local FSA county office to determine if they meet these definitions.

For more information about any of the above programs call your local FSA county office.