Jefferson/Sevier/Cocke County FSA Reminds Producers of Approaching Acreage Reporting Deadlines

Jefferson/Sevier/Cocke County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director James L. Giffin reminds producers of the July 15, 2015, acreage reporting deadline.

“In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements and avoid late file fees, all producers are encouraged to visit the our office to file an accurate, timely crop certification report,” said Giffin.

The following acreage reporting dates apply for producers in Jefferson/Sevier/Cocke Counties:

July 15, 2015: All crops other than fall-seeded small grains and apples, canola, peaches

The following exceptions apply to the above acreage reporting dates:

– If the crop has not been planted by the 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 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 15.

According to Giffin, filing timely acreage certifications with FSA establishes eligibility for programs including: Marketing Assistance Loans (MAL), Loan Deficiency Payments (LDP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) & Price Loss Coverage (PLC), Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and others.

For NAP policy holders, 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 Jefferson/Sevier/Cocke County FSA office at 865 397-3151, or toll free 855-545-5006.