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USDA issues safety-net and conservation payments to New Hampshire farmers

CONCORD — USDA New Hampshire Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Jeffrey Holmes, announced that approximately $243,000 will be paid to New Hampshire farms that enrolled in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) for 2017 market downturns.

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

According to Holmes, PLC payments have triggered for 2017 barley, canola, corn, grain sorghum, wheat and other crops. Producers with bases enrolled in ARC for 2017 crops can visit www.fsa.usda.gov/arc-plcfor updated crop yields, prices, revenue and payment rates. In New Hampshire, six 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 can vary by county because average county yields will differ,” Holmes said.

Also, this week, USDA will begin issuing 2018 CRP payments to support voluntary conservation efforts on private lands.

“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,” Holmes said.

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

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