FSA announces sign-up for ECP

The Clay County Farm Service Agency County Committee has requested funding for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) due to damage from the ice storm.

ECP is not an "entitlement" program, so everyone who suffers a loss may not be entitled to a payment.

Farms and ranches across the region may be eligible for assistance if the damage will be so costly to rehabilitate that federal assistance is or will be needed to return the land to productive agricultural use. Landowners may qualify if the damage is unusual and is not the type that would recur frequently in the same area, materially affects the productive capacity of the farmland and will impair or endanger the land.

Removing debris from farmland and restoring permanent fences may be eligible for reimbursement.

A producer qualifying for ECP assistance may receive cost share not to exceed 75 percent of the eligible cost of restoration measures. No producer is eligible for more than $200,000 cost sharing per natural disaster occurrence.

Signup for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) now is underway and will end April 24. Any work that has been done before signup must be applied for immediately and no later than April 7 to be considered. Applicants must thoroughly document all costs associated with disaster measures for labor, equipment and materials.

Those who want more information on the ECP may call the Farm Service Agency office at (870) 598-2287 or 870 857-3016, extension two, to schedule an appointment.