USDA Farm Service Agency advises producers on how to prevent loss of FSA program benefits

Press release:

Madison and Buncombe Counties FSA Acreage Reporting Dates for 2016

(Marshall, North Carolina) – June 23, 2016 – Madison/Buncombe County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Charles E. Zink announces that producers who file accurate and timely reports for all crops and land uses, including failed acreage, can prevent the potential loss of FSA program benefits. Please pay close attention to the acreage reporting dates below for 2016.

“In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit the Madison/Buncombe County FSA Office to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline,” says Zink.

The following acreage reporting dates are applicable for Madison and Buncombe Counties:

• July 15, 2016: Corn, Tobacco, Tomatoes, Squash, Beans, Other Vegetable Crops, Grain Sorghum, and All Other Crops and Land Uses.
• September 15, 2016: Late Planting Cabbage
• November 1, 2016: Honey Bee Colonies for 2017
• November 15, 2016: Haying and Grazing Land for 2017

The following exceptions apply to the above acreage reporting dates:

• If the crop has not been planted by the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed.

• If a producer acquires additional acreage after the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendars days after purchase or acquiring the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the county office.

• If a perennial forage crop is reported with the intended use of “cover only,” “green manure,” “left standing,” or “seed” then the acreage must be reported by July 15th.

According to Zink, Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy holders should note that the acreage reporting date for NAP covered crops is the earlier of the dates listed above or 15 calendar days before grazing or harvesting of the crop begins.

For questions regarding crop certification and crop loss reports, please contact the Madison/Buncombe County FSA Office at (828) 649-2712.