Enrollment for the 2007 Direct and Counter-cyclical Payment Program begins Sunday, Oct. 1, Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced Friday. Enrollment will run until June 1, 2007, with late applications accepted with a $100 late fee until September 30, 2007.
"Producers will find the Internet-based DCP sign-up service convenient and very user friendly," says Johanns. The electronic DCP saves producers time, reduces paperwork and speeds up contract processing at Farm Service Agency offices. The electronic service includes strict security measures to protect participants' information, and participants can view and print their contract options at any time.
Producers can also visit any USDA Service Center or their administratively assigned center to complete their 2007 DCP contract.
For 2007, eligible producers may request to receive direct advance payments based on 22 percent of the direct payment rate for each commodity associated with the farm. USDA will issue DCP direct advance payments beginning Dec. 1, 2006. DCP participants must sign the contracts each year, but can choose not to participate in any given year.
To access the electronic service, go to www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=online&subject=landing&topic=dcp and click on "Access eDCP Service." In order to obtain a USDA eAuthentication Level 2 account, fill out the registration form at www.eauth.egov.usda.gov and visit a local USDA Service Center for identity verification.
An online DCP fact sheet provides more information:
www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/printapp?fileName=pf_20060301_insup_en_dcp06.html&newsType=prfactsheet.