Comments needed on the TAA for Farmers Program

From a press release from the USDA:

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is requesting comments on a proposed rule that would establish the procedures and eligibility criteria for receiving assistance under the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for Farmers Program. "Helping American producers adjust to a changing and unpredictable economic environment is critical during these challenging times," said Vilsack. "The TAA for farmers program can provide technical assistance and cash benefits to eligible producers who have been hurt by import competition."

Reauthorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the TAA for Farmers Program applies to producers of raw agricultural commodities and fishermen who must show a greater than 15 percent decrease in the national average price, the quantity of production, value of production, or cash receipts compared to the average of the 3 preceding marketing years. The assistance includes help in developing a business adjustment plan that can serve as a guide for adjusting a producer's business operation to prevailing economic conditions. The program is administered by USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service.

…Comments should be mailed or hand delivered to Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers Program staff, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW., STOP 1021, Washington, DC 20250-1021. Comments may also be e-mailed to tradeadjustment@fas.usda.gov.

The deadline for receiving written comments is Sept. 24, 2009. A copy of the current program regulations and other TAA for Farmers Program information may be obtained on the FAS Web site at www.fas.usda.gov/itp/taa/taa.asp.

Frequently Asked Questions about the TAA for Farmers Program are also available on this page.