USDA Farm Service Agency reminds producers to report crop losses

[July 10, 2012]  SPRINGFIELD -- The USDA Farm Service Agency reminds producers to report crop losses resulting from a weather-related disaster event. This includes crops covered by crop insurance, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, known as NAP, and crops without insurance coverage.

"Crop losses are acres that were timely planted with the intent to harvest, but the crop failed and could not be harvested because of a disaster-related condition," said Scherrie Giamanco, FSA state executive director. "In order to meet FSA program eligibility requirements, producers must report failed acreage to their county FSA office before disposition of the crop. Prevented planted acreage must be reported to their county FSA office within 15 days of the final planting for the applicable crop."

Producers who have NAP coverage will be required to report crop losses within 15 days of the disaster occurrence or when the loss first becomes apparent. The report is to be made on an FSA Form CCC-576 -- "Notice of Loss and Application for Payment Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program."

According to Giamanco, to prevent the potential loss of FSA program benefits, it is important that producers file accurate and timely reports before the crop is destroyed.

Failed acreage reports allow the agency to maintain an accurate record to report how many acres of each crop were destroyed or damaged by a disaster event. This information is used to determine county and state eligibility for programs like the Average Crop Revenue Election program, as well as future federal farm programs as legislated by Congress.

With questions regarding crop losses, contact your local county FSA office.

[Text from file received from Illinois Farm Service Agency]