USDA Adds Second Round of Trade Mitigation Payments

The second and final round of trade mitigation payments aimed at assisting farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations was announced December 17 by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue.

This action allows producers of certain commodities to be eligible to receive Market Facilitation Program (MFP) payments for the second half of their 2018 production.

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“The President reaffirmed his support for American farmers and ranchers and made good on his promise, authorizing the second round of payments to be made in short order,” said Perdue. “While there have been positive movements on the trade front, American farmers are continuing to experience losses due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations. This assistance will help with short-term cash flow issues as we move into the new year.” said Perdue.

Immediately following the announcement, The National Cotton Council (NCC) conveyed its thanks to President Trump and Secretary Perdue for authorizing the second round of payments.

Producers need only sign-up once for the MFP to be eligible for the first and second payments. The MFP sign-up period opened in September and runs through January 15, 2019, with certification of the producer’s 2018 crop due by May 1, 2019. Information and instructions are available online at www.farmers.gov/mfp.

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As in the first round, the MFP will provide $0.06/lb. on the remaining half of a producer’s 2018 cotton production (upland and ELS). The MFP payments are subject to the existing $900,000 adjusted gross income means test and a separate $125,000 per person payment limit for the eligible crops.

NCC Chairman Ron Craft, a Plains, TX, ginner, said, “The National Cotton Council is very appreciative of Secretary Perdue and his team at USDA. This tariff mitigation program will help address a portion of the losses cotton producers are facing in the marketplace.”

 

Based on information from USDA and the National Cotton Council

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