USDA Modifies NAP Disaster Provision

July 27, 2001

USDA has modified the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for the 2001 crop year. Due to statutory changes for the 2001 and subsequent crop years, NAP assistance will be based only on individual producer crop losses, rather than on geographic area crop losses for multiple producers. This will speed up program delivery and give producers a better chance of obtaining NAP coverage, thereby, making the program more accessible, the department said.

Producers must apply for coverage of eligible crops by the application closing date established by Farm Service Agency State committees. At the time of application, producers must pay a service fee of $100 per crop, not to exceed $900 per producer. Limited resource producers may request a fee waiver. Also, producers must annually report crop acreage, yield, production, and (if applicable) a timely notice of loss.

The NAP provides financial assistance to producers for noninsurable crop losses and planting impeded by natural disasters. Eligible crops include those produced for food (including livestock feed) or fiber for which catastrophic crop insurance is not available. Also eligible for NAP coverage are controlled-environment crops (mushroom and floriculture), specialty crops (honey and maple sap), and value loss crops (aquaculture, Christmas trees, ginseng, ornamental nursery, and turfgrass sod).

Other program restrictions may apply. Implementing regulations will be published as necessary. Further information on NAP is available from local USDA service centers or on FSA's web site at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov.