Robert Helmer, county executive director for the Evangeline Parish Farm Service Agency (FSA), emphasizes the fact that it is not too early to remind Evangeline Parish farmers that the reporting or “certifying” of 2009 planted crop acreage is important and is an integral part of their farming operation.

Planted acreage reports are not mandatory; however, all producers are encouraged to timely file their respective acreage reports. Producers who participate in marketing assistance loans, Loan Deficiency Payment Program (LDP), Direct and Counter Cyclical Payment (DCP), Supplemental Revenue Assistance Program ( SURE) , Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) are required to report all crop acreages to maintain program eligibility. Failure to report acreage timely may result in the loss of program benefits.

The Evangeline Parish FSA Office encourages the reporting of all planted crop acreage throughout the Parish and will accept acreage reports from all producers who wish to report crop acreage for any purpose. Once again, to have a report of planted crop acreage on file with FSA for “history” purposes could be very important to a producer.

Any Evangeline Parish farmer having questions or needing additional information regarding crop acreage reporting requirements may contact the Evangeline Parish FSA Office located at 205 Court Street, Ville Platte, La. or call 337-363-6602 ext.2.