USDA issues safety-net and conservation payments to Delaware farmers

USDA Delaware Farm Service Agency Executive Director Sean McKeon has announced that approximately $1.4 million will be paid to Delaware farms that enrolled in Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage for 2017 market downturns. Delaware FSA also will distribute nearly $500,000 in Conservation Reserve Program rental payments to landowners for their commitment to conservation stewardship.

“ARC and PLC were authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill to protect farmers against unexpected drops in crop prices or revenues,” McKeon said. “These payments help provide reassurance to Delaware farm families who continue to persevere, even in this tough farm economy.”

According to McKeon, PLC payments have triggered for 2017 barley, corn, grain sorghum and wheat. For updated crop yields, prices, revenue and payment rates for producers with bases enrolled in ARC for 2017, go to www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc. In Delaware, all three counties have experienced a drop in price and/or revenues below the benchmark price established by the ARC or PLC programs and will receive payments.

“It’s important to remember that ARC and PLC payments by county can vary because average county yields will differ,” McKeon said.

Also, this week, USDA will begin issuing 2018 CRP payments to support voluntary conservation efforts on private lands. In Delaware, 220 landowners will receive compensation for their efforts to improve water quality, reduce soil erosion and improve wildlife habitat.

“Since its inception in the 1980s, CRP has built upon the voluntary participation of farmers and landowners to take sensitive land out of production and establish land cover to improve the environment,” McKeon said.

For more information about USDA programs or to locate the nearest USDA Service Center, go to www.farmers.gov.