News

Some specialty crop assistance details are not clear yet

A state FSA director says the agency is getting questions about the specialty crop assistance that is part of the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program.

Wisconsin state director Sandy Chalmers tells Brownfield FSA is awaiting instructions from USDA. “What we know at this point is the fruits and vegetables that will be covered by that specialty crop program. As far as the signup details, the signup start and deadline, we just don’t have that yet.

Chalmers expects there will be a lot of interest in the program, since it covers many fruits and vegetables. “Things like potatoes, snap beans, peas, sweet corn are all covered by that program so definitely something for producers to watch out for.”

USDA set aside one billion dollars for specialty crop producer assistance.

Chalmers talked to Brownfield during the recent Professional Dairy Producers Business Conference in Madison, Wisconsin.

AUDIO: Wisconsin FSA Director Sandy Chalmers discusses the Farmer Bridge Assistance program, the specialty crop program, and Dairy Margin Coverage signups with Brownfield’s Larry Lee.