New crop disaster assistance program implemented

Producers May Begin Applying for SURE Program at FSA County Offices on Jan. 4, 2010.

USDA has implemented the new Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments program (SURE) in accordance with the 2008 Farm Bill. Producers are encouraged to visit their USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) county office beginning Jan. 4, 2010, to participate in the program if they suffered crop production losses during the 2008 crop year.

“This program is an important component of the farm safety net and will provide financial assistance to producers who have suffered crop losses due to natural disasters,” said John W. McCauley, Executive Director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Kentucky. “Producers will receive payments beginning in January, in time to help them with planning for next year’s crop.”