USDA seeks public comment on Dairy Disaster assistance

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that dairy producers and the public have until Dec. 26, 2007 to comment on a proposed rule concerning the new Dairy Disaster Assistance Program III (DDAP-III).

USDA published the proposed rule in the Federal Register on Nov. 26, 2007. The proposal sets forth rules governing how this program will be administered.

Comments may be made on proposed eligibility requirements, proof of production history, loss determinations, payment rates, payment rate calculations, appeals and other program provisions. Also, the proposal outlines the differences between this program and similar dairy disaster assistance programs carried out by USDA in recent years.

Comments should include the volume, date and page number of the issue of the Federal Register. The public can comment by:

‘ E-mail to: Danielle.Cooke@wdc.usda.gov

‘ Fax: (202) 690-1536

‘ Regular Mail to: Grady Bilberry, Director, Price Support Division FSA ‘ USDA, STOP 0512, Rm. 4095-S, 1400 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-0512

‘ Hand delivery or courier to Grady Bilberry at the above address: or

‘ Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.

For more information about this and other disaster programs administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency, visit: http://www.fsa.usda.gov then click on Disaster Assistance Programs.