USDA’S NONINSURED ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (NAP) APPLICATION DEADLINE NEARS

New regulations provide new opportunities for individual growers

SACRAMENTO, March 27, 2002- Deadlines are nearing for California growers of uninsured crops to apply for affordable federal crop loss protection. “Changes in federal regulation allow for individual coverage tailored to meet specific producer’s needs” says California Agriculture Secretary William (Bill) J. Lyons Jr., “Until now, such applications were only considered when there were catastrophic losses occurring in a widespread area.” Each individual loss is now measured on its own merits.

To be eligible under this program all 2001and 2002 crop year sales must have a sales closing date of April 18, 2002 unless there are multiple plantings of the same crop in the county. Applications and services fees must be submitted to the U.S.D.A. Farm Service Agency county office by April 18th. Growers who did not previously apply for the Noninsured Assistance Program (NAP) and who have already reported losses may still be able to obtain benefits by meeting that filing deadline. Crops eligible are those for which crop insurance is not available, including fruits and vegetables, aquaculture and forage crops.

Secretary Lyons urges growers to maintain clear and concise records and submit timely reports of crop acreages, yields, production and losses. Crop production records for 2000 and 2001 crop years can be certified to substantiate crop loss claims. Sales closing dates for 2003 production will vary by crop.

For information and applications contact your local U.S.D.A. Farm Service Agency office.


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FLEX YOUR POWER. To meet California’s energy challenge, CDFA urges businesses and consumers to conserve. For a list of simple ways that you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our Web site @www.cdfa.ca.gov