WASHINGTON — Producers have until Friday, July 29, to apply for assistance for 2009 crop losses under the Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) Program. The program provides crop disaster assistance payments to eligible producers on farms that have incurred crop production or quality losses.

“USDA wants to ensure that all eligible producers are aware of the approaching deadline,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “SURE covers producers on farms in disaster counties that incurred crop production, crop-quality losses or both, but in order to qualify, you need to file in a timely manner. I encourage anyone with questions to visit their local USDA Farm Service Agency Office.”

A producer interested in signing up for SURE for their 2009 crops must do so before close of business July 29 at the county FSA office servicing the producer. The sign-up for the SURE program for the 2010 crops will be announced at a later date.

For more information about USDA Farm Service Agency disaster assistance programs, visit a local FSA county office or disaster.fsa.usda.gov.