HARRISBURG, Pa. — USDA has extended the application deadline to apply for coverage under Farm Service Agency’s Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program. The sign-up deadline for crops whose deadline normally falls before Dec. 1, 2008, has been extended to Dec. 1, 2008, for the 2009 crop year.
“The 2008 farm bill created several new disaster programs that require producers at least have catastrophic coverage for all insurable crops and/or NAP coverage for noninsurable crops,” said Richard Pallman, executive director for USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Pennsylvania.
“Because enactment of the farm bill was so late in the year, coupled with the expected increase in NAP activity for 2009 crops, it was prudent to extend the application deadline.”
Other changes
According to Pallman, the Farm Service Agency recently announced that crop insurance and NAP coverage requirements will be waived in 2008 for producers who did not obtain crop insurance or NAP coverage by the applicable sales closing date. To get that waiver, the producer must file an application and pay a buy-in fee in an amount equal to the 2008 applicable NAP coverage or catastrophic risk protection plan fee for the crop or grazing lands by Sept. 16.
NAP provides financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory or prevented planting occurs due to natural disasters.
For more information contact your local USDA Service Center or FSA County office.
