USDA proposes import relief program for farmers

USDA proposes import relief program for farmers    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service has proposed a new technical assistance and cash benefits program to farmers suffering from five-year import-induced price declines in their products.
   Congress authorized FAS to develop the program in the 2002 Trade Act. A provision authorizes an appropriation of not more than $90 million for each fiscal year from 2003 to 2007.
   Under this proposed program, a group of agricultural commodity producers may petition the FAS administrator for trade adjustment assistance from mid-August to January.
   The Economic Research Service will then evaluate the petitions, and will report its findings to the FAS administrator, who will make the final decision on the amount granted to farmers.
   FAS will receive comments about the proposed rulemaking through July 9. For more information, contact Jean-Louis Pajot of FAS’ import policies and programs division by e-mail at jean-louis.pajot@usda.gov.