ACRE and DCP Signup Deadline is Aug. 14
AMHERST, Mass. — Richard Burke, State Executive Director of USDA's Farm Service Agency in Massachusetts, reminds producers of the deadlines for enrolling in the new Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program or the Direct and Counter-Cyclical Program (DCP). The deadline to enroll in ACRE or DCP for 2009 is August 14, 2009."It is critical for producers to begin the enrollment process as soon as possible," said Burke. "ACRE is an innovative alternative to the traditional farm safety net, but this new program comes with a complex signup process." Burke advises producers to contact their local office right away to set up appointments well before the August 14, 2009 deadline.
Late-filed applications for ACRE or DCP will not be accepted. Producers should note also that ACRE elections will not be approved until all producers, including owners, on a farm have signed both election and enrollment forms. If producers do not elect ACRE, they still have the option of enrolling in the DCP program by August 14, 2009. Both ACRE and DCP require all signatures be obtained by the deadline.
Burke emphasized, "In all cases, it is the responsibility of the operator and owners of a farm to obtain and submit all necessary signatures on election and enrollment forms by the August 14, 2009 deadline."
Producers should also note that once they select ACRE for a farm, that decision irrevocably elects ACRE for the farm through crop year 2012. In that case, the ACRE contract form must be completed each year the producer intends to participate and receive benefits.
For more information about the ACRE program and an online ACRE Calculator, visit www.fsa.usda.gov or contact your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office.
