The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is currently seeking comments on a proposed rule that establishes eligibility standards and procedures for one to be able to receive assistance under the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for Farmers Program.USDA Secretary Vilsack stated in the USDA news release that, '"Helping American producers adjust to a changing and unpredictable economic environment is critical during these challenging times . . . The TAA for Farmers program can provide technical assistance and cash benefits to eligible producers who have been hurt by import competition."'
The TAA for Farmers Program was reauthorized as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. To qualify for the program, producers of “raw agricultural commodities” and fisherman must show:
. . . a greater than15 percent decrease in the national average price, the quantity of production, value of production, or ash receipts compare to the average of the three 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.
ARRA made changes to the program which made the rule necessary. The new bill puts emphasis on providing technical assistance and makes cash payments contingent upon the development of an “initial and long-term business adjustment plan [.]” This plan was not a part of the program that expired. The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on August 25, 2009. The deadline for written comments to be received is September 24, 2009.
For more information on the program or to read the USDA news release click here.
Posted: 09/01/09
