On July 24, 2008, the Court issued a Final Injunction providing direction in a number of scenarios in regard to Critical Feed Use under CRP.

For CRP participants who were approved before the July 8, 2008, Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), they may immediately proceed with the approved activity provided the haying or grazing must end by November 10, 2008. No rental reduction will apply; however, the acres hayed or grazed will apply towards future managed haying or grazing frequencies.

For CRP participants who applied (but not approved before the July 8, 2008, TRO), then county offices may continue to process the CFU application. For these cases, haying must end by September 30, 2008, and grazing must end by October 15, 2008. No rental reduction will apply; however, the acres hayed or grazed will apply towards future managed haying or grazing frequencies.

For additional information, contact our local FSA Office

Farm Service Agency in California is announcing critical program deadlines for your calendar. Be sure to contact your local office NOW for an appointment or more information.

Find the news release that announces details of the 2008 Disaster Program Eligibility Buy-In by clicking here: news release.

Find a summary describing the 2008 Disaster Program Eligibility Buy-In by clicking here: summary.

Find an overview of the general provisions of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 by clinking on this link.

Agriculture is a diverse industry of great importance to California's economy, providing income to one of every ten people employed in the Golden State. The entrepreneurial producers in our state grow an incredible array of more than 400 different major crops, valued annually at over $32 billion.

Farm Service Agency staff members in California are proud of our role in protecting the state's farming and ranching economy. We are charged with the administration of federal loans for land and operating costs, commodity and conservation programs, disaster assistance and other vital efforts that assist rural producers, their families, their communities and the state's economic stability.

If you haven't done so already, I encourage you to examine the valuable information on our website, including links to online services, forms, county office listings and other resources. Let us know how we can be of value as your Farm Service Agency in California.

State Executive Director

Did you insure crops in 2005, 2006 and/or 2007? If so, you may now be eligible for benefits in the Crop Disaster Program. See this recent CDP Letter sent 1/24/08 from John Smythe, State Executive Director.

Swank Farms, a USDA California Success Story

Ag Finance Career Begins With Hands-On Experience

California is more than the land of movies, beaches and surfing. California has been the number one producer of agricultural products in the US for more than 50 consecutive years! California is the world's fifth largest supplier of food and agricultural commodities.

California has some of the most agriculturally productive counties in the nation. Of the top 10 agricultural producing counties nationwide, nine are located in California. Fresno remains the No. 1 County in the nation with productivity surpassing 24 of the 50 states.

California now produces more than 400 commodities and produced $32 billion in direct farm sales in 2005. Top commodities include: milk & cream, grapes, nursery products, almonds, cattle, lettuce, hay and Strawberries.

In fact, California's 76,500 farms produce more than half of the nation's fruits, vegetables and nuts. Each day the state's farmers produce an average of $87 million in food, fiber and flower products.

Davis, California, Oct. 17, 2007 - John Smythe, Executive Director of USDA's Farm Service Agency in California announced that eligible farmers who suffered quantity losses to their crops in recent years can now enroll in the Crop Disaster Program 2005-2007 (CDP) at local FSA service centers. FSA will announce and conduct sign-up for quality losses under CDP as soon as possible. In accordance with the Statute, only producers who obtained crop insurance or coverage under the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for the year of loss will be eligible for CDP benefits.

Smythe also reminded ranchers and other livestock producers that they can apply to receive benefits under the Livestock Compensation Program (LCP) and Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).

For the complete Fact Sheet click here.

A few program specifics are:

All crops are eligible. However, producers must have purchased crop insurance or coverage under the agency's Non-insured Assistance Program in order to qualify. Eligible losses are those that exceeded 35 percent and occurred in 2005, 2006 or 2007 as a result of a natural disaster. The producer will choose one year for benefits. Quality loss assistance will be available for some crops as well. For more information the following brochures are available.

2005 - 2007 Crop Disaster Program (CDP)

Nationwide, $16 million has been made available for the cleanup and restoration of farm and agricultural production lands. For more information click here.

Producers choose for each livestock program one of three years for which they would receive benefits. Most California counties are eligible. For a complete list of eligible counties by year, click on the following maps links.

Maps for 2005 - 2006 - 2007

The Livestock Compensation Program provides benefits for producers in designated procuring livestock feed in 2005, 2006 or 2007. Eligible livestock under LCP are: dairy cattle, beef cattle, buffalo, beefalo, equine, poultry, elk, reindeer, sheep, goats, swine, deer, and catfish. (Fact Sheet)

makes payment available to producers that have incurred more than normal livestock losses between Jan.1, 2005 and Dec. 31, 2007, due to a disaster. A producer will select the losses in one year for benefits. (Fact Sheet)

LIP is available in most counties in the state . for additional information on eligible disaster events and other eligible criteria contact you local county FSA Office. (For Office locations click here)

The Farm Service Agency is a federal agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Located in all 50 states, our mission is to help American farmers provide reasonably priced food and fiber to the nation and the world. (California 2006 Accomplishments)

In California, the State Office is located in the Richard Lyng USDA Building in Davis, California, just west of Sacramento. County Service Centers are located in 30 California towns and serve the needs of area farmers and ranchers. For County Office phone numbers and addresses: County Information pages.

The Farm Service Agency State Committee in California oversees the activities of the agency. The members are appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture each year. They hear appeals from local farmers and guide the direction of agency policy.

Joe Zanger

United States Department of Agriculture

Farm Service Agency

430 G Street, Suite 4161

Davis, CA 95616-4161

(530) 792-5520 or

Farm Loans (530) 792-5521