DCP - ACRE

 Dick Rush, Executive Director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency in Idaho recently announced that USDA has begun enrollment for the 2010 Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP) and the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE). Sign-up will continue through June 1, 2010.

 Rush says he would like to encourage Idaho producers to make use of the eDCP automated website to sign up. Last year many producers used the service which saves time, reduces paperwork and speeds up contract processing at our  local FSA offices.”

 eDCP is available to all producers who are eligible to participate in the DCP and ACRE Programs. We have the address that you can access on our web site aginfo.net. Initially you have to go into your local office but then you can use your electronic authorization on several FSA programs and not have to take time off the farm.

 USDA computes DCP Program payments using base acres and payment yields established for each farm. Eligible producers receive direct payments at rates established by statute regardless of market prices. For 2010, eligible producers may request to receive advance direct payments based on 22 percent of the direct payment. USDA will issue advance direct payments beginning Dec. 1, 2009.

 The optional ACRE Program provides a safety net based on state revenue losses and acts in place of the price-based safety net of counter-cyclical payments under DCP. A farm's payment is based on a revenue guarantee calculated using a 5-year average state yield and the most recent 2-year national price for each eligible commodity. For the 2010 crop, the 2-year price average will be based on the 2008 and 2009 crop years.

 In exchange for participating in ACRE, in addition to not receiving counter-cyclical payments, a farm's direct payment is reduced by 20 percent, and marketing assistance loan rates are reduced by 30 percent.

 The decision to enroll in the ACRE Program is irrevocable. The owner of the farm and all producers on the farm must agree to enroll in ACRE. Once enrolled, the farm shall be enrolled for that initial crop year and will remain in ACRE through the 2012 crop year.

 The June 1, 2010, deadline is mandatory for all participants. USDA will not accept any late-filed applications. For more information on DCP or ACRE, please visit your FSA county office or www.fsa.usda.gov. www.fsa.usda.gov/dcp.