22 August 2014

USDA and Farm Bureau Co-host Salinas Meeting to Answer Farm Bill Questions

Interested farmers, ranchers, agencies and organizations in the Salinas area are welcome to attend a workshop to hear about Farm Bill changes from four USDA agencies. 

Sept. 8, 2014, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The meeting will held at the UC Cooperative Extension’s office located at 1432 Abbott St., Salinas, CA 93901.
The new 2014 Farm Bill brought changes in conservation, commodity programs, crop insurance, rural development programs, loans, disaster programs, energy opportunities and much more.

Many of these changes will take full effect in fiscal year 2015, beginning Oct. 1, 2014.  Most of the workshops will be devoted to answering questions and providing one-on-one assistance to attendees.

The four USDA Agencies listed below will be available to discuss new, broadened and ongoing program opportunities and new eligibility requirements. 

The Natural Resources Conservation Service: New streamlined program structure; a new Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and new adjusted gross income (SGI) requirements.

The Farm Service Agency: Significant changes and more options available in commodity programs, disaster programs, and a new milk income loss program.

Risk Management Agency: Broadened federal crop options, especially for organic and specialty crop producers; new supplemental coverage options for cotton producers.

Rural Development: Simplified application for several programs. New home loan eligibility for rural areas with population up to 35,000.  New grant program for business development with priority for local food projects, new partnership with community colleges.