New: ARC and PLC Updates and Projected Timeline The Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Programs are new programs authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. FSA is still in the process of writing policy and procedure for the programs and is working towards having the first sign-up late this year. An annual acreage report is required to be eligible for both the ARC & PLC programs. All producers are encouraged to visit the Monroe County FSA office to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline. As more information is available, we will work to get information out to you, primarily through GovDelivery bulletins and newsletters. Below is a tentative timeline for implementing the new programs: - This summer all farmers and ranchers with base acres will receive a letter from FSA notifying you of certain provisions affecting base acres and yields.
- In the fall, farm owners will receive a one-time opportunity to reallocate their base acres for the life of this Farm Bill (2018). The reallocation would be based on 2009 through 2012 plantings. At this time, owners will also be able to update yields for PLC, based on 90 percent of the farm's 2008 through 2012 average yield per planted acre.
- FSA is planning for a late-2014 or early-2015 signup for ARC and PLC. This is a one-time choice for the life of the Farm Bill. Failure to make a decision during this time will result in a default designation of PLC, and it will eliminate any 2014 payment.
FSA is working with universities and cooperative extension services to develop online decision tools, materials, and train experts to educate producers about several key farm bill programs such as ARC and PLC. The new training will help farmers make an educated choice between the new Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) program and the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program. Producers will be able to use date unique to their specific farming operations combined with factors like the geographical diversity of crops, soils, weather and climates across the country to test a variety of financial scenarios before officially signing up for the new program options later this year. Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Compliance Landowners and operators are reminded that in order to receive payments form USDA, thy must be compliant with Highly Erodible Land (HEL) and Wetland Compliance (WC) provisions. Farmers with HEL determined soils must apply tillage, crop residue and rotation requirements as specified in their conservation plans. Producers should notify FSA before conducting land clearing or drainage projects to ensure compliance. If you intend to clear any trees to add new cropland, these areas (no matter how small in size) will need to be reviewed to ensure any work will not jeopardize your eligibility for benefits. You must complete form AD-1026 'Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification' to determine whether a referral to NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) is necessary. FSA Farm Bill Website The Agricultural Act of 2014 (the Act), also known as the 2014 Farm Bill, was signed by President Obama on Feb. 7, 2014. The Act repeals certain programs, continues some programs with modifications, and authorizes several new programs administered by FSA. Most of these programs are authorized and funded through 2018. For the latest on 2014 Farm Bill programs administered by FSA, please visit our Farm Bill website at www.fsa.usda.gov/farmbill and for an FSA program overview please read, download and/or print our recently posted FSA Farm Bill Fact Sheet titled, What's in the 2014 Farm Bill for Farm Service Agency Customers? For more information on FSA, please contact your local USDA Service Center or visit us online at www.fsa.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users). |
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