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FSA Disaster Requirements And Deadlines
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Craig Schaunaman, State Executive Director for USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) in South Dakota encourages producers to obtain Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and/or Federal Crop Insurance (CI) coverage for their own risk protection, and to meet the necessary linkage requirements to be eligible for disaster programs administered by FSA. Producers should contact their respective FSA Office and Crop Insurance Agent to learn about upcoming sales closing dates.
Each disaster program requires specific policy coverage on certain crops to maintain eligibility for disaster programs. To retain eligibility for disaster programs in 2010 and future years, review the following program related requirements.
The Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program (SURE) 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 considered planted) and all hay crops that are of economic significance must be covered by either CI or NAP. Coverage must also be obtained for other crops for which CI or NAP is available, such as nursery, honey, aquaculture, and floriculture. Crops intended for grazing do not require coverage to maintain SURE eligibility.
The Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) 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 grazing 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. Only the grazing acreage covered by CI and/or NAP will be eligible for benefits under LFP.
The Tree Assistance Program (TAP) 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. Like SURE, TAP requires that all crops in all counties be covered by a plan of CI or NAP.
The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm Raised Fish Program (ELAP) 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 SURE and TAP, requires that all crops in all counties also be covered for ELAP eligibility.
In order for a producer to be eligible for SURE, LFP, TAP, and ELAP, producers must obtain the necessary CI or NAP coverage. Eligible farmers and ranchers who meet the definition of "Socially Disadvantaged," "Limited Resource," or "Beginning Farmer" do not have to meet this requirement.
Additional information about disaster programs or any other FSA programs is available at your local FSA office or on the web at http://www.fsa.usda.gov.
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©Marshall County Journal 2009
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