To develop the capacity and ability of private, nonprofit community-based housing and community development organizations, and low income rural communities to improve housing, community facilities, community and economic development projects in rural areas. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Rural Community Development Initiative grants may be used for but are not limited to (a) training sub-grantees to conduct a program on home-ownership education; (b) training sub-grantees to conduct a program for minority business entrepreneurs; (c) providing technical assistance to sub-grantees on how to effectively prepare a strategic plan; (d) provide technical assistance to subgrantees on how to access alternative funding sources; (e) building organizational capacity through board training; (f) developing training tools, such as videos, workbooks, and reference guides to be used by the sub-grantee; (g) providing technical assistance and training on how to develop successful child care facilities; and (h) providing training on effective fundraising techniques. Applicant Eligibility: Rural Community Development Initiative grants may be made to a legally qualified private or public (including tribal) organization that provides technical assistance to nonprofit community-based housing and community development organizations, and low income rural communities. The grantee must provide a program of technical assistance to the sub-grantee. The grantee must have been legally organized for a minimum of three years prior experience working with nonprofit organizations or low-income rural communities in the areas of housing, community facilities, or community and economic development. Assistance is authorized for eligible applicants in rural areas of the States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Republic of Palaw, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Beneficiary Eligibility: Subgrantees must be legally organized private, nonprofit community-based housing and community development organizations, low income rural communities, and Federally recognized Indian Tribes. Credentials/Documentation: Have the legal, financial, administrative, and operational capacity relative to the activity for which assistance is requested. Have necessary background and experience with proven ability to perform responsibly in the areas of housing, community facilities, or community and economic development. Have the ability to work within established guidelines. Preapplication Coordination: A complete application for RCDI funds must include the following: (a) a summary page; (b) a detailed table of contents containing page numbers for each component of the application; (c) a project overview; (d) the evaluation criteria; (e) a separate one-page information sheet listing each of the evaluation criteria followed by the page numbers of all relevant material and documentation contained in the application which supports these criteria; (f) a breakdown of specific time increments and steps to accomplish goals; (g) a detailed breakdown of estimated costs and a project budget; (h) organizational documents for the grantee; (i) Form SF-424, Application for Federal Assistance; (j) Form SF-424B, Assurances - Non-Construction Programs; (k) Form AD-1047, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters Primary Covered Transactions; (1) Form AD-1048, Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion Lower Tier Covered Transactions; (m) Form AD-1049, Certification Regarding Drug-Free Workplace Requirements; (n) Certification of Non- Lobbying Activities; (0) Standard Form LLL, Disclosure of Lobbying Activities; (p) Form RD 400-4, Assurance Agreement; and (q) report any association or relationship with Rural Development employees. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Application procedures will be announced in the Federal Register and on the Grants.gov web site. Award Procedure: Award is made by the Administrator, Housing and Community Facilities Programs. Deadlines: Announced in Federal Register. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: As required, 90 days to 120 days. Appeals: If an application is rejected, the reasons for rejection are fully stated. The applicant may request a review of the decision from the National Appeals Division, USDA. Renewals: Not applicable. Formula and Matching Requirements: The grantee must provide matching funds at least equal to the amount of the grant in the form of cash or committed funding. (No in-kind contributions.) Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Proposals must be structured to utilize the Rural Community Development Initiative grant funds within 3 years from the execution of the Rural Community Development Initiative grant agreement. Reports: The grantee will perform self-evaluations by preparing quarterly financial and project performance reports in accordance with the grant agreement for RCDI. Audits: Periodic audits should be made as part of the grantee's system of financial management and internal control to meet terms and conditions of the grant. In accordance with the provisions of 7 CFR Part 3052, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," which implement OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that receive financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in 7 CFR 3052. Records: The borrower must maintain adequate records and accounts related to the technical assistance performed. Account Identification: 12-2081-0-1-371; 12-4215-0-3-371. Obligations: (Grants) FY 07 $6,200,000; FY 08 est $6,000,000; and FY 09 est not reported. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: $50,000 to $500,000. Average: $250,000. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In fiscal year 2007, 38 grants were made. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: Administrative Regulations 7 CFR 3015, 7 CFR 3016, 7 CFR 3019, 7 CFR 3052; H.R. 5426 Guidelines announced in NOFA, published in the Federal Register. Regional or Local Office: Consult your local telephone directory for Rural Development state office numbers. If no listing, contact the appropriate Rural Development State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog. Headquarters Office: Deputy Administrator, Community Programs, Housing and Community Facilities Programs, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250- 3222. Telephone: (202) 720-1490. Web Site Address: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/rcdi/index.htm. RELATED PROGRAMS: None. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Grants were made to (a) hire a staff person to provide technical assistance to the sub-grantee; (b) the sub-grantee organization hires a staff person, under the supervision of the grantee, to carry out the technical assistance; (c) develop the capacity of sub-grantees to conduct community development programs; (d) develop the capacity of sub-grantees to conduct home-ownership education programs; and (e) develop the capacity of sub-grantees to conduct training for minority business entrepreneurs. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Factors considered for project selection include but are not limited to median household income, rural population, and points for evaluation criteria. 10.447 THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT (RD) MULTI-FAMILY HOUSING REVITALIZATION DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM (MPR) (Restructuring Program) FEDERAL AGENCY: RURAL HOUSING SERVICE (RHS), DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Housing Act of 1949, as amended, Sections 514/516 and 515, and The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008 (Public Law 110-161) OBJECTIVES: To preserve and revitalize existing rural rental housing and farm labor housing projects financed by RHS under Section 515 and Sections 514/516 of the Housing Act of 1949 and to ensure that sufficient resources are available in order to continue to provide safe and affordable housing for low-income residents. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Project Grants. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Funds will be used to meet the physical needs of rental and farm labor housing properties financed under Section 515 and Sections 514/516 of the Housing Act of 1949. Related soft costs are also eligible. Owners or buyers are required to agree to a Restrictive Use Covenant for 20 years or the remaining term of any loans, or the remaining term of any existing restrictive-use provisions whichever ends later. This ensures the property will be used for low income housing as defined by the Housing Act of 1949. Applicant Eligibility: Owners or buyers of financially viable Section 515 financed rental or Section 514/516 labor housing properties. Beneficiary Eligibility: Low-income rural residents needing safe, decent and sanitary rental housing. Credentials/Documentation: Applicants must provide a Capital Needs Assessment (CNA) to identify the physical needs of the property as well as the estimated cost to make the needed repairs over a 20-year period. Preapplication Coordination: Multi-Family Housing Revitalization Demonstration Program (MPR) Preapplication. An electronic version of this form can be found on the internet at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/nofas/index.html or obtained by contacting the RD State Office in the state where the project is located. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.12372. Application Procedure: For FY 08, the MPR Program will be awarded through a Notice of Funding Availability announced in the Federal Register on March 12, 2008. The NOFA pre-application period is 60 days from the date of the announcement. The NOFA deadline is May 12, 2008. Award Procedure: Pre-applications will be scored on the following factors: (1) Contribution of third party funds; (2) Owner contribution sufficient to pay transaction costs; (3) Age of Project; (4) Transfer and revitalization of troubled projects; (5) Prior Agency approvals of CNAS; (6) Installation of energy generation systems; (7) Energy conservation; and (8) New tenant services to be provided by a non-profit organization at no cost to the project and that are available to all tenants. Deadlines: May 12, 2008. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Within 45 days from Pre-application submission, pre-applications will be scored and ranked, eligibility will be confirmed, and applicants will be notified of selection for participation and requested to submit full applications. Appeals: Applicant may request reconsideration on the basis of pertinent facts concerning the application. Renewals: Applicants may reapply at the next Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). Formula and Matching Requirements: This program is now a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). This is a demonstration program. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Debt deferral is the lesser of the remaining term of the existing loan or 20 years. A balloon payment of accrued principal and interest will be due at the end of the deferral period. A revitalization grant for non-profit applicants/borrowers only, is limited to the cost of correcting health and safety violations as identified by a CNA. A revitalization zero percent loan will be amortized over 30 years. A soft-second loan with a one percent interest rate will have its interest and principal deferred, to a balloon payment, due at the time the latest maturing Section 514 or 515 loan becomes due. An additional 30-year Section 515 loan at an effective one percent interest rate amortized over a period not to exceed 50 years. An additional 33-year Section 514 loan at an effective one percent interest rate amortized over a period not to exceed 33 years. An additional Section 516 grant not to exceed the lesser of 90 percent of the total development cost, or that portion of the total development cost which exceeds the sum of any amount provided by the applicant from their own resources plus the amount of any Section 514 loans approved for the applicant. Reports: Quarterly or annual financial reports. Audits: Quarterly or annual financial statements completed using agreed-upon procedures and performance standards described in the RHS Multi-Family Housing Audit Program. Records: Business records must be retained. Account Identification: 12-2081-0-1-371. Obligations: FY 07 $0; FY 08 $20,000,000; and FY 09 est not reported. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: The underwriting guidelines include, but are not limited to, the following: The maximum soft-second loan will be limited to no more than $5,000 per unit; revitalization grants limited to $5,000 per unit; total assistance provided from a revitalization grant, revitalization zero percent loan, and/or a soft-second loan is limited to $10,000 per unit; and the maximum Section 515 loan or Section 514/516 loan and grant is limited to no more than $20,000 per unit. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In Fiscal Year 2007, 87 properties received assistance for revitalization and preservation. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: None. Regional or Local Office: Refer to the NOFA which lists contacts at the National Office and consult your local telephone directory for Rural Development District or State Office number. Also, contact information is available on the internet at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html. Headquarters Office: Office of Rental Housing Preservation, Attention: Sandra L. Mercier, Rural Development, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-1617. Web Site Address: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.415, Rural Rental Housing Loans. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: None. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Proposals will be selected based on eligibility and ranking and scoring criteria listed in the NOFA. 10.449 BOLL WEEVIL ERADICATION LOAN PROGRAM FEDERAL AGENCY: FARM SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, Public Law 104-180, 7 U.S.C. 1989. OBJECTIVES: To assist producers and State governmental agencies to eradicate boll weevils from the United States. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Direct Loans. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: Funds may be used to purchase or lease supplies and equipment, to pay entity operating expenses and to pay salaries and benefits. Loan funds may not be used to pay for lobbying, public relations, or related activities. Applicant Eligibility: Applicants may be determined eligible if the organization: (a) Meets the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) cost-sharing requirements; (b) possesses a legal nonprofit corporate authority; (c) possesses the legal authority to enter into a contract; (d) operates in an area approved by a majority of cotton producers via referendum; (e) is unable to obtain funds elsewhere; and (f) may pledge producer assets as loan collateral. Beneficiary Eligibility: The beneficiaries of this program include the local boll weevil organization and agricultural community as well as local, State, and national governments. Credentials/Documentation: All applicants must be nonprofit entities, authorized to operate under the appropriate State law and for the specific purpose of eradicating boll weevils from the nation's agricultural community. Preapplication Coordination: Applicants are eligible for loan consideration after pre-approved funding is established by APHIS. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Complete applications will be accepted by the National Office accompanied by documentation showing the entity's authority to borrow and the operation's ability to make the scheduled loan payment(s). Award Procedure: Loans will be written within specific credit guidelines as well as within the borrowing entity's documented ability to repay the loan. Deadlines: Initial loan request should be reviewed with APHIS prior to the funding year with a complete loan package submitted to FSA 90 days prior to the anticipated disbursal of funds. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: Agency credit decisions will generally be issued within 60 days of the receipt of a complete loan package. Appeals: None. Renewals: Boll weevil loans are term loans based upon certain procedural and program criteria. Although loans are not renewed, additional loan requests may be submitted by each entity for consideration. Formula and Matching Requirements: While there are eligibility requirements, there are no formula or matching fund requirements. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Loans can be applied for at anytime during the year. The loan term varies anywhere from one to seven years. Reports: Profit and loss statements may be required monthly, but are always required quarterly and annually. Income and expense deviations in excess of ten percent must be reported immediately. Audits: Audited financial statements and profit and loss statements will be annually submitted for review and analysis. Records: Detailed records will be maintained by each entity in the respective offices. These same records will be made available to the Agency for review upon demand. Account Identification: 12-1140-0-1-351. Obligations: (Interest Free Loan) FY 07 $59,400,000; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported. Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Not available. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: The FSA Boll Weevil Eradication program is in its third year. Loans have been made or are in the process of being made in most all cotton producing States. Although the eradication of the boll weevil is difficult, where implemented, the program is highly successful. Full implementation is anticipated within the next five years and general eradication accomplished within the next decade. Maintenance programs will be required perpetually. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: The Federal regulations are found at 7 CFR Part 1941, Subpart C. Regional or Local Office: Not applicable. Headquarters Office: Farm Service Agency, Loan Making Funds Management Branch, 1400 Independence Avenue SW., Stop 0522, Room 5438 SO/AGRIB, Washington, DC 20250-0522. Telephone: (202) 720-1632. Web Site Address: http://www.fsa.usda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.025, Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Tennessee Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: The criteria for selecting applications are based upon area boll weevil infestation, APHIS recommendation, individual State and Charter authority, and the ability of the entity to repay the loan. 10.450 CROP INSURANCE FEDERAL AGENCY: RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Federal Crop Insurance Act, as amended, 7 U.S.C. 1501-1520, Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938, Title V, 52 Stat. 31; Federal Crop Insurance Act of 1980, as amended, Public Law 101-624; Federal Crop Insurance Reform Act of 1994, Public Law 103-354; Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, Public Law 104-127; Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998, Public Law 105-185; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1999, Public Law 105-277; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act of 2000, Public Law 106-78; Agriculture Risk Protection Act of 2000, Public Law 106-224; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act of 2001, Public Law 106-387; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation Act of 2002, Public Law 107-76. OBJECTIVES: To promote the national welfare by improving the economic stability of agriculture through a sound system of crop insurance and providing the means for the research and experience helpful in devising and establishing such insurance. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Insurance. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) is a wholly owned government corporation created February 16, 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1501.) Public Law 96-365, dated September 26, 1980, amended the program to provide for nationwide expansion of a comprehensive crop insurance plan. The Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 (P.L.104-127) required the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an independent office for supervision of the FCIC. The Risk Management Agency (RMA) administers the FCIC and promotes the national welfare by serving America's agricultural producers through effective, market-based risk management solutions and promoting, supporting and regulating sound risk management solutions to preserve and strengthen the economic stability of America's agricultural producers. RMA fully subsidizes catastrophic crop insurance protection (CAT) except for minor administrative fees paid by the producer. CAT coverage compensates the producer for yield losses exceeding 50 percent of yield and at a price equal to 55 percent of maximum price (or equivalent amounts for dollar-based programs). RMA offers additional protection at higher levels of coverage and variable levels of premium subsidy. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers the Noninsured Assistance Program (NAP). NAP is available to provide coverage for food or fiber crops equivalent to the catastrophic crop insurance protection in areas where catastrophic crop insurance protection is not available. FCIC offered insurance on the following crops or commodities for the 2007 crop year, with some available only in limited areas: Adjusted Gross Revenue, Adjusted Gross Revenue-Lite, Almonds, Apples, Apricots, Avocado Trees (Florida), Avocados (Revenue, Actual Production History (APH)), Banana Trees, Bananas, Barley (APH, Income Protection (IP), Revenue Assurance (RA)), Blueberries, Cabbage, Canola (APH, RA), Cherry (Dollar), Chile Peppers, Citrus, Citrus Tree (Texas), Clams, Coffee, Coffee Trees, Corn (APH, Crop Revenue Coverage (CRC), Group Risk Income Protection (GRIP), Group Risk Protection (GRP), IP, Indexed Income Protection (IIP), RA), Cotton (APH, CRC, GRIP, GRP, IP, RA), Cranberries, Cultivated Wild Rice, Dry Beans, Dry Peas, Extra Long Staple Cotton, Figs, Flax, Florida Fruit Tree, Forage, Forage (APH, GRP), Forage Seed (Alfalfa), Forage Seeding, Fresh Market Sweet Corn, Fresh Market Tomatoes (APH, Dollar), Grain Sorghum (APH, CRC, GRIP, GRP, IP), Grapefruit, Grapes, Green Beans for Canning, Green Peas, Hybrid Corn Seed, Hybrid Grain Sorghum Seed, Lemons, Limes, Livestock, Macadamia Nuts, Macadamia Trees, Mandarins, Mango Trees (Florida), Millet, Mint, Murcotts, Mustard, Naval Oranges (Citrus Dollar, APH), Nectarines, Nursery, Oats, Onions, Oranges, Papaya, Papaya Trees, Pasture, Peaches, Peaches, Peanuts (APH, GRP), Pears, Pecan Revenue, Peppers, Plums, Popcorn, Potatoes, Prunes, Raisins, Rangeland, Rangeland (GRP), Rice (APH, CRC, RA), Rye, Safflower, Silage Sorghum, Soybeans (APH, CRC, GRIP, GRP, IP, IIP, RA), Stonefruit, Strawberries, Sugar Beets, Sugarcane, Sunflowers (APH, RA), Sweet Corn for Canning, Sweetpotatoes, Table Grapes, Tangelos, Tangerines, Tobacco, Tomatoes (Canning and Processing), Walnuts, and Wheat (APH, CRC, GRIP, GRP, IP, RA).to more affordable risk management tools and improved protection from production and income loss, and to improve the efficiency and integrity of the Federal crop insurance program. Due to the new legislation, RMA has improved basic products by implementing higher premium subsidies to made buy- up coverage more affordable for producers; made adjustments in actual production history guarantees; and revised the administrative fees for CAT coverage. Other major provisions of ARPA include: expanded authority of general pilot programs; expansion of the Dairy Options Pilot Program and Risk Management Education; tightening of program compliance and integrity; establishment of expert reviewpanels and procedures for reviewing policies, plans of insurance, and related material or modifications; mandating availability and acceptance of electronic information; and strengthening of "good farming practices" by including scientifically sound sustainable and organic farming practices. RMA has implemented a cost-share program to producers in eleven historically underserved states in the Northeast to purchase AGR insurance. Under this program, RMA will pay 50 percent of the producer-paid premium and the entire administrative fee. RMA anticipates more crops and/or commodities will become insurable through pilot programs approved by the FCIC Board of Directors. Applicant Eligibility: Unless otherwise restricted by the insurance policy, owners or operators of farmland, who have an insurable interest in a crop in a county where insurance is offered on that crop are eligible for insurance. Producers will be covered under the Noninsured Assistance Program (NAP) which is available to provide coverage similar to the catastrophic risk protection in areas where catastrophic risk protection is not available, if such crop is produced for food or fiber and the area is authorized. Beneficiary Eligibility: Any insured producer who has a financial loss caused from a covered peril for the particular crop insured or covered by the Noninsured Assistance Program (NAP). Credentials/Documentation: None. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-87. Preapplication Coordination: None. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-102 and E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Application for crop insurance offered by a company reinsured by FCIC must be filed with a crop insurance sales agent. Both catastrophic and additional coverage are available only from private companies. In general, crops and acreage must be reported to establish insurance coverage for crop insurance and, if not eligible for crop insurance, such must be filed to establish eligibility for NAP. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110. Award Procedure: The insurance contract becomes effective upon issuance of a Notice of Acceptance by the insurance company. Notices of Acceptance for insurance coverage are issued upon a determination that the applicant is eligible. Deadlines: Applications must be filed by the appropriate sales closing date for the crop involved. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: From 15 to 20 days. Appeals: Appeals should be addressed within 30 days to the National Appeals Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Renewals: Continuous insurance contract. Formula and Matching Requirements: This program has no statutory formula nor matching requirements. Length and Time Phasing of Assistance: Not applicable. Reports: Private Industry Crop Insurance Acreage Report; Actual Production History Yield Report; and in the event of a loss, Notice of Damage, Production Worksheet, and proof of loss. Audits: Recipients are subject to audit by the RMA internal compliance function, private insurance company auditors, Office of the Inspector General, USDA, and the General Accounting Office. Records: Insured must keep for 3 years, after the end of the crop year, records of harvesting, shipments, sale or other disposition of all insured crops produced on each unit covered by the contract and separate records for any uninsured acreage of the insured crops. Account Identification: 12-4085-0-3-351. Obligations: (Total indemnities): Indemnities: FY 07 $5,266,271,000; FY 08 est Range and Average of Financial Assistance: Level of assistance varies according to policy, crop and indemnities paid. PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS: For crop year 2006, the estimates are approximately 262.6 million acres for total insurance protection of an estimated $49.9 billion, and for crop year 2007, the estimates are 264.3 million acres for total insurance protection of an estimated $68.9 billion. For crop year 2008, the estimates are approximately 262.6 million acres for total insurance protection of an estimated $66.9 billion. REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE: 7 CFR Part 400 and a brochure "Introduction to Risk Management"- available at no charge. Regional or Local Office: Interested producers should contact their Regional Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog, or a private industry crop insurance agent. Headquarters Office: Department of Agriculture, Administrator, Risk Management Agency, Ag Box 0801, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 690-2803. Web Site Address: http://www.rma.usda.gov. RELATED PROGRAMS: 10.404, Emergency Loans; 97.022, Flood Insurance. EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS: Not applicable. CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS: Not applicable. 10.451 NONINSURED ASSISTANCE (NAP) FEDERAL AGENCY: FARM SERVICE AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AUTHORIZATION: Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act of 1996, as amended, 15 U.S.C. 714b and 714c; 7 U.S.C. 7333. OBJECTIVES: To provide crop loss assistance comparable to the catastrophic risk protection level of crop insurance to producers of commercial crops or other agricultural commodities for which the catastrophic risk protection level of crop insurance is not available. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE: Direct Payments with Unrestricted Use. USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS: None. Applicant Eligibility: Eligible crops include each commercial crop or other agricultural commodities (except livestock and their by-products; tobacco; and trees grown for wood, paper, or pulp products) that is produced for food or fiber and specifically includes: Floricultural, ornamental nursery, and Christmas tree crops, turfgrass sod, seed crops, aquaculture (including ornamental fish), and industrial crops. An eligible producer is an owner, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper: (1) Who shares in the risk of producing the crop; (2) who is entitled to share in the crop available for marketing or would have shared had the crop been produced; and (3) whose qualifying gross revenue is less than $2 million for the preceding tax year for which an application for coverage is filed. Beneficiary Eligibility: Applicant Eligibility: Eligible crops include each commercial crop or other agricultural commodities (except livestock and their by-products; tobacco; and trees grown for wood, paper, or pulp products) that is produced for food or fiber and specifically includes: floricultural, ornamental nursery, and Christmas tree crops, turfgrass sod, seed crops, aquaculture (including ornamental fish), and industrial crops. An eligible producer is an owner, landlord, tenant, or sharecropper: (1) who shares in the risk of producing the crop; (2) who is entitled to share in the crop available for marketing or would have shared had the crop been produced; and (3) whose qualifying gross revenue is less than $2 million for the preceding tax year for which an application for coverage is filed. Credentials/Documentation: Applicants must provide to the local administrative FSA office, annual certifications of acreage, yield, and production. Randomly selected producers and producers requesting program payments must also provide acceptable records of production. Applicants must provide evidence as necessary for a proper determination of their eligibility. Preapplication Coordination: None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372. Application Procedure: Applicants must file an application for coverage in the local administrative FSA office. An applicable service fee must accompany the application. Coverage is effective the later of: (1) 30 days after the application for coverage is filed; (2) date the crop is planted for yield-based crops or the beginning of the crop year for all other eligible crops. Other documentation required to fulfill the application requirements include: (1) A report of acreage, facility, etc.; (2) a notice of loss when the eligible crop is prevented from being planted as a result of eligible natural disaster or the eligible planted crop or commodity suffers loss of yield due to eligible natural disaster; (3) if the crop is harvested, a certification of production, and in the crop year for which an application for payment is filed, acceptable evidence of production, (4) if the crop will not be harvested, a request to the local county FSA office for appraisal; and (5) a certification of gross revenue. Award Procedure: None. Deadlines: Applications for coverage to include both prevented planting and low-yield coverage must be filed at least 30 calendar days prior to the final planting date for yield based crops or in the case of multiple planted crops, 30 calendar days prior to the beginning of the respective planting period. Applications for coverage to include only low-yield coverage may be filed until the final planting date for yield based crops or in the case of multiple planted crops, the beginning of the respective planting period. Applications for all other eligible crops must be filed no later than the beginning of the crop year. Other reporting requirements and deadlines will become applicable upon acceptance of the application for coverage. Range of Approval/Disapproval Time: The county committee will normally make a decision regarding the application for payment within 60 calendar days after all required information and documentation is received. |