FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2016

Contact: Andrew Jerome, 202-314-3106
ajerome@nfudc.org

WASHINGTON (June 6, 2016) – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) would provide an estimated $300 million in cost-share assistance payments to cotton producers. In response to the new Cotton Ginning Cost-Share program, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Roger Johnson released the following statement:

“Cotton growers, like many farmers, have been overwhelmed by several years of low crop prices. I applaud Secretary Vilsack and USDA for finding an innovative solution to help ease the income challenges cotton producers are facing.  

“The Cotton Ginning Cost Share Program will provide a small measure of relief to cotton producers during the 2016 ginning season. Because cotton growers must gin their cotton in order to market their product for fiber or feed, the program will also provide desperately needed support for our domestic cotton market. Growers with a share of the 2015 cotton crop can receive a one-time cost share payment equivalent to 40 percent of the average ginning cost for each production region, based on their reported 2015 cotton acres.

“Eligible producers will be mailed a prepopulated form to sign and return to their local FSA offices. Payments will begin to be processed as soon as forms are returned. I encourage cotton growers to sign up through FSA before the August 5th deadline. NFU stands ready to assist producers throughout the process.”

 

National Farmers Union has been working since 1902 to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers and rural communities through advocating grassroots-driven policy positions adopted by its membership.

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