Japan a big ag market for Washington; CRP sign up; Insurance deadline
Farm and Ranch March 14, 2011 Any trade disruptions in the wake of Japan’s massive earthquake and tsunami will certainly be felt by agriculture in Washington state. The Washington State Department of Agriculture says Japan is our number one market for Washington-origin food exports. In 2010 the value of those shipments was 1.3 billion dollars which included exports of wheat, French fries, hay, frozen vegetables, cherries, dairy, beef and animal feed. Reuters reported that all Japanese port activity shutdown after the quake Friday so damage assessments could be made. Tomorrow, March 15th is a federal crop insurance deadline. Jo Lynne Seufer with USDA’s Risk Management Agency in Spokane explains. Seufer: “March 15 is the final date for producers to obtain a brand new 2011 AGR-Lite, Adjusted Gross Revenue Lite insurance, as well as all other spring seeded crops, which include quite a few crops here in the Pacific Northwest.” Today is the beginning of a general sign up for USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program. During the sign up that runs until April 15th, farmers and ranchers may offer eligible land at their county Farm Service Agency office. Contracts awarded under this sign up are scheduled to become effective October 1st of this year and should not affect this growing season. I’m Bob Hoff and that’s Washington Ag Today on Northwest Aginfo Net. ? ?
