AUGUST 1 IS DEADLINE TO REQUEST PRODUCTION FLEXIBILITY PAYMENTS

Aug. 1 is the deadline to designate payment shares for those who have not done so for 2000. It is also the deadline to revise the PFC if there have been any changes in one's 2000 farming operation.
The seven-year Production Flexibility Program provides for annual payments to eligible producers on farms enrolled in the Production Flexibility Program. Eligible producers include (1) tenants who lease the farm for a share of the crop or cash rent and (2) landlords who receive a share of the crop as rent. Landlords who receive a fixed payment (in either cash or crop) are NOT eligible for PFC payments.
In regard to PFC payments, farmers should also note that a change in one's operation such as selling or buying land, leasing more or less land, changing tenants, changing lease terms, or restructuring of the operation by forming or dissolving a corporation, partnership, trust, etc. may result in ineligiblility. If these or similar changes have occurred since 2000 PFC payments were initially requested, one may be ineligible for that payment unless the PFC is revised on or before Aug. 1, 2000. The contract must be revised to reflect new producers, revised rental arrangements or other similar changes in the 2000 farming operation.
Program regulations require that changes be reported to the FSA at the local USDA Service Center and the PFC be revised as soon as the changes occur, no later than Aug. 1. Failure to revise the contract to reflect these changes may result in ineligibility for fiscal year 2000 PFC payments, including payments already issued.
Farmers are strongly encouraged to contact the local county FSA office if changes have been made in an operation. Questions regarding the effect planned changes may have on a farming operation and eligibility for payments can be directed to the same office.