FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2001
USDA ANNOUNCES START OF CROP DISASTER PAYMENTS
WASHINGTON---Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced that payments of more than $1.1 billion will begin today under USDA's Crop Disaster Program. So far, about 450,000 applications from 160,000 farmers have been approved, and more are expected. Final payments and statewide totals will be announced when all payments are made. However, last year, South Carolina farmers received about $30 million from the Crop Disaster Program.
"American farmers are still feeling the pressure of low prices, and, in many cases, the effects of natural disasters," said Veneman. "These payments will assist farmers in this difficult time."
Signup for the CDP began on January 18, 2001. Farmers should contact their local USDA Service Center or Farm Service Agency county office to file an application. To be eligible, farmers must have suffered at least 35 percent loss to one or more of their 2000-year crops due to natural disasters. Eligible farmers will receive payment soon after approval of their application. The deadline to file an application will be announced later.
The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001, provided funds for the CDP. Last year, USDA issued more than $1.2 billion in crop disaster payments.
For information on this and other USDA programs, contact your local USDA Service Center or the FSA local office, usually listed in telephone directories under "US Government, Department of Agriculture" or on the Internet at www.usda.gov.