USDA Reminds US Virgin Islands Producers to Complete Crop Acreage Reports

Contact: Janet.wright@usda.gov

GAINESVILLE, FL, May 7, 2020 – USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) office in US Virgin Islands is currently open to phone and virtual appointments only but can still work with producers on timely filing crop acreage reports. FSA staff can provide assistance over the phone, by email and through virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams.

Acreage reporting dates vary by crop. The best time to report the crop is after it is planted or before it’s harvested. Contact your local FSA office for a list of acreage reporting deadlines by crop.

“In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers must file an accurate crop acreage report by the applicable deadline,” said Sherry McCorkle, State Executive Director. Our FSA staff is still able to assist producers in completing acreage reports, including providing maps.”

The FSA county office in St. Croix will provide maps to producers through mail or email with instructions for completing the maps. For easy producers should return completed maps and the acreage reporting sheet by mail or email within 15 days of planting.

After completed maps and all acreage reporting information is received, FSA will make software updates and mail or email producers the completed Report of Acreage form (FSA-578) to sign. Producers must return the signed form certifying their acreage report to the FSA office through mail or email within 15 days of receipt.

The following exceptions apply to acreage reporting dates:

• If the crop has not been planted by the acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed.
  
  
• If a producer acquires additional acreage after the acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendars days after purchase or acquiring the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the county office.

For questions, please contact your local FSA office. To locate your local FSA office visit farmers.gov/service-center-locator.

USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only and field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While our program delivery staff will continue to come into the office, they will be working with our producers by phone, and using online tools whenever possible. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with the FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or any other Service Center agency are required to call their Service Center to schedule a phone appointment. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.