Deadline extended for an agriculture program in Ohio

COLUMBUS – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline from March 5 to April 9 for agricultural producers to apply for the Quality Loss Adjustment (QLA) Program because of recent winter storms and some clarifications to program rules.

This program assists producers, including those here in Ohio who suffered crop quality losses due to qualifying 2018 and 2019 natural disasters, according to a news release announcing the extension and details.

“Because of recent winter storms and some program updates, we want to provide five additional weeks for producers to apply for the program,” said Zach Ducheneaux, Administrator of the Farm Service Agency (FSA). “I want to make sure eligible producers have the opportunity to apply and to work with our team members to help with any questions. We recently clarified policy to ensure producers who sold grain to the feed market due to quality issues are adequately compensated.”

The QLA program assists producers whose eligible crops suffered quality losses due to qualifying drought, excessive moisture, flooding, hurricanes, snowstorms, tornadoes, typhoons, volcanic activity or wildfires.

Eligible crops include those for which federal crop insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage is available, except for grazed crops and value loss crops, such as honey, maple sap, aquaculture, floriculture, mushrooms, ginseng root, ornamental nursery, Christmas trees and turfgrass sod.

Additionally, crops that were sold or fed to livestock or that are in storage may be eligible.

Those interested in applying are asked to contact their local USDA Service Center. Additional information is also available at farmers.gov/quality-loss

Producers can also obtain one-on-one support with applications by calling 877-5088364.