Funds available for 2012 crop losses

EPHRATA - Farmers and ranchers who suffered 2012 crop losses caused by natural disasters occurring through September 30, 2011 may apply for financial relief through the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

The Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) program has been extended to provide one final period of disaster relief eligibility for crops intended for a 2012 harvest.

"This signup period is for those producers who suffered crop losses for 2012 crops before September, 30, 2011," County Executive Director Greg Anderson said. "While 2012 SURE has a restrictive eligibility process, we encourage any farmers and ranchers who think they might meet the criteria to apply."

To be eligible for SURE, a farm or ranch must have had Non-Insured Crop Assistance Program (NAP) or crop insurance coverage that has taken effect on all crops of economic significance. Crops of economic significance are those contributing at least five percent of the farm's expected revenue.

The crop must have a final plant date and suffered the disaster-related loss on or before September 30, 2011. Farmers and ranchers must have suffered at least a 50 percent production loss on the farm.

Producers considered socially disadvantaged, a beginning farmer or rancher, or a limited resource farmer may be eligible for SURE without a policy or plan of insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program coverage.

The deadline for 2012 SURE applications is Aug. 29, 2014. For more information on the 2012 SURE program, visit the Grant County FSA Office or online http://www.fsa.usda.gov/sure.