Disaster program enrollment soon

The harvest of 2011 is nearly done. There have not been many rainy days or muddy fields to interrupt completion of this task. Looking at the bright side, then, (if the combine didn't break down) this harvest has been smooth sailing, right? Keeping to the bright side theme -- it didn't take as many trucks or fuel fill-ups to keep the harvest hauled away from the field either.

However, there were some low yields out there this year for sure, raising questions about USDA's disaster program (Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payment Program/SURE) which was set up in the last farm bill to assist during a serious disaster year.

The timeframe for this program actually defers enrollment for about one year. In fact, the SURE enrollment for last year (2010) will begin next week on Nov. 14. The 2011 program, then, will likely commence enrollment about a year from now.

USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Bruce Nelson recently reminded farmers of the 2010 (SURE) enrollment coming up. He also pointed out that the sign up for the 2012 Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program (DCP) and the Average Crop Revenue Election Program (ACRE) will begin Jan. 23, 2012.

"Eligible producers who suffered losses during the 2010 crop year are encouraged to visit their local FSA office to learn more about the SURE program and how to apply," Nelson said. "Because the 2008 Farm Bill does not authorize advance direct payments for 2012, the 2012 DCP and ACRE sign up will begin on Jan. 23, 2012. This will allow county office employees to expedite disaster assistance sign up this fall."

Administrator Nelson also reminds producers that losses must occur on or before Sept. 30, 2011, to be eligible for the five disaster assistance programs authorized by the 2008 Farm Bill: SURE; the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP); the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-Raised Fish (ELAP); the Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP); and the Tree Assistance Program (TAP). Disasters occurring after this date are not eligible for program coverage.

As noted above, sign up for 2010 crop losses under the SURE program will begin Nov. 14, 2011. Sign up for 2011 crop losses will be accepted in the fall of 2012, when the 2011 farm revenue data required by statute becomes available. Completion of sign up is currently underway for 2011 for the other disaster programs including livestock death losses under the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP). Sign up ends Jan. 30, 2012, for LIP.

Numerous resources are available to help producers make informed decisions on program eligibility. FSA county office staff can answer many questions on program rules, application procedures and possible benefits. Calculators and decision tools can be found on some land grant university websites and can assist with potential payment calculations. FSA also has SURE and DCP/ACRE information available at www.fsa.usda.gov/sure and www.fsa.usda.gov/dcp, respectively.

Information on the disaster programs can be found at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.

The Department of Agriculture under Secretary Vilsack's leadership has worked tirelessly to strengthen rural America, implement the Farm Bill, maintain a strong farm safety net, and create opportunities for America's farmers, ranchers and producers. U.S. agriculture is currently experiencing one of its best years in decades thanks to the productivity, resilience and resourcefulness of our producers.

Today, net farm income is at record levels while total farm debt has declined nearly 2 percent. Overall, American agriculture supports 1 in 12 jobs in the United States and provides American consumers with 86 percent of the food we consume, while maintaining affordability and choice.

Expanding export opportunities and reducing barriers to trade for American producers has also been aggressively pursued, helping to push agricultural exports to a projected record $137.5 billion in 2011. Strong agricultural exports contribute to a positive U.S. trade balance, creating jobs, and boosting economic growth.