Georgia State USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Acting State Executive Director (SED) David Laster, announced that “late-filed” fees will be waived for crops that had a Nov. 15, 2013, acreage reporting deadline if these crops are reported no later than Jan. 15, 2014.

Crops with the Nov. 15, 2013, reporting date will be assessed the “late-filed” fee if reported after the Jan. 15, 2014, “waiver date.”

Crops under this waiver include perennial improved grasses intended for grazing or haying. It shall be noted the Risk Management Agency (RMA) did not grant a “reporting” waiver on the Pasture, Range, and Forage Land (PRF) insurance program, so producers need to consult their crop insurance agent if they had PRF coverage and have not yet reported their 2014 grazing grass crop(s).

“In order to comply with FSA program eligibility requirements, all producers are encouraged to visit their local FSA office to file an accurate crop certification report by the applicable deadline," said Acting SED Laster.

The following 2014 acreage reporting dates are applicable for the entire state of Georgia:

• Nov. 15, 2013: PRF, perennial forage, and apiculture.

• Jan. 15, 2014: Apples, all fall-seeded small grains, Blueberries, Canola, and Peaches.

• March 15, 2014: Cabbage (planted 10/1 - 2/20), Onions, (planted 10/21 - 2/1), and Pecans.

• May 15, 2014: Flue-cured tobacco, Fresh Market Sweet Corn (planted 8/26 - 5/15), Fresh Market Tomatoes (planted 8/16 - 4/5).

• July 15, 2014: Corn, Cotton, Grain Sorghum, Peanuts, Soybeans, and all others crops not shown with a specific reporting date.

• Aug. 15, 2014: Fresh Market Tomatoes (planted 7/1 - 8/15).

• Sept. 15, 2014: Fresh Market Sweet Corn (planted 7/15 - 8/25).

• Oct. 15, 2014: Cabbage (planted 7/16 - 9/30).

The following exceptions apply to the above acreage reporting dates:

• If the crop has not been planted by the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 15 calendar days after planting is completed.

• If a producer acquires additional acreage after the above acreage reporting date, then the acreage must be reported no later than 30 calendars days after purchase or acquiring the lease. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the county office.

• If a perennial forage crop is reported with the intended use of “cover only,” “green manure,” “left standing,” or “seed” then the acreage must be reported by July 15th.

According to Acting SED Laster, Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) policy holders should note that the acreage reporting date for NAP covered crops is the earlier of the dates listed above or 15 calendar days before grazing or harvesting of the NAP-covered crop begins.

For questions regarding crop certification and crop loss reports, please contact your local FSA office.

Source - FSA