USDA Enacts Changes to Payment Limitations, Income Qualifications, and Implements Direct Attribution Programs

The USDA announced changes to both Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) qualifications, program payment limitations, and direct attribution for FSA and NRCS programs, which became effective in accordance with the 2008 Farm Bill.

Public comments on this interim final rule must be submitted to the Department by January 28, 2009.

Federal Register, Vol. 73, No. 249 (The Federal Register notice is also available for download in PDF format.)

Ag Conference Slated for Women

The 2009 Women Managing the Farm Conference has been scheduled for February 12-14, 2009, at the Grand Prairie Hotel and Convention Center in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Themed "The Changing Face of Agriculture," the annual conference provides opportunities for women who are involved in agriculture to come together and network with other women who have similar interests and challenges, said Kristy Archuleta, conference coordinator.

USDA's Interim Final Rule Amends Composition, Responsibilities of State Technical Committees

Notice of 60-day Public Comment Period on Rule Published in Federal Register

NRCS Chief Arlen Lancaster announced the release of the interim final rule for State Technical Committees, which amended requirements regarding the composition and responsibilities of these advisory committees nationwide. The 2008 Farm Bill expands agricultural and forestry involvement in the committees, expands the committees’ authority to review local working groups’ efforts to address state program priorities, and requires the Secretary of Agriculture to standardize committee operations nationwide. The interim final rule is available for public comment. These comments must be submitted by January 26, 2009.

EQIP and WHIP Cutoff Dates Extended

"The signup cutoff date has been extended from Friday, January 9, 2009, to Friday, January 30, 2009, for both the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) under the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill)," said Eric B. Banks, state conservationist for the NRCS.