USDA reminds producers in Minnesota that the nationwide deadline to sign up for the Market Facilitation Program is Dec. 6. MFP payments are aimed at assisting farmers suffering from damage due to unjustified trade retaliation by foreign nations, according to a press release.

“Farmers have had a tough year due to unfair trade retaliation and natural disasters, but the Market Facilitation Program offers some much-needed relief,” said Joe Martin, state executive director in Minnesota. “I encourage farmers not to miss the deadline to submit an application.”

Since sign up began July 29, more than 35,272 applications have been received for MFP, resulting in $780,369,824 in payments to producers in Minnesota. Across the country, more than $10.1 billion has been paid for 2019 MFP crop and livestock commodities to nearly 601,000 applicants.

Last month, USDA began making payments on the second tranche of 2019 MFP payments. Producers of MFP-eligible commodities are now eligible to receive 75% of the total potential payment. If conditions warrant, producers may receive the final tranche in January.

Additionally, due to changes to the 2018 MFP program that were required by the 2019 Disaster Bill, producers previously deemed ineligible for MFP in 2018 because they had an average AGI level higher than $900,000 may now be eligible for 2018 MFP benefits. Those producers must be able to verify 75% or more of their average AGI was derived from farming and ranching to qualify. The deadline for this sign up is also Dec. 6.

Producers who have yet to sign up for MFP should contact their local FSA office. Information on eligibility requirements and the application can also be found on www.farmers.gov/MFP.