HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania farmers who suffered crop losses from natural disasters during the 2005-2007 crop years may receive loss benefits from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Crop Disaster Program, said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff.
“Many of Pennsylvania’s crop producers suffered major financial losses as a result of drought, hail and flood damage during the past several years,” said Wolff. “This funding will help farmers recover from devastating losses, keeping Pennsylvania agriculture viable.”
The program provides 42 percent of the established crop price to farmers who suffered crop losses greater than 35 percent in any crop year between 2005-2007 or if the damaged crop was planted or prevented from being planted before Feb. 28, 2007. Farmers may apply for losses to multiple crops, but can choose only one year to receive benefits.
Only farmers covered by crop insurance or covered under the noninsured crop disaster assistance program for the year of loss will be eligible for benefits. The payments will be in addition to more than $33 million in loss payments made to Pennsylvania farmers through crop insurance in 2005 and 2006.
Farmers should promptly contact their local farm service agency to receive benefits from the crop disaster program. To find a crop insurance agent in your area, visit here.
