The 2008 Farm Bill includes several new permanent disaster programs that require producer and landowner action for eligibility according to Brian Hisey, CED for the Wagoner County and Muskogee County Farm Service Agency. The new policies and deadlines for action will be discussed.

“The new permanent disaster programs in effect replace the previous ad hoc disaster programs that were approved after the fact for crop and pasture losses,” Hisey said.

The new permanent disaster programs require crop insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) coverage to be eligible for program benefits in the event of eligible crop losses or pasture losses. The scheduled meetings are as follows:

The Wagoner County meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Wagoner Civic Center, 301 S. Grant. The Muskogee County meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Muskogee OSU Extension Office, Muskogee Fairgrounds.

NAP crop application deadlines are as early as Dec. 1 for 2009 crop coverage to ensure permanent disaster program eligibility.

Should you be unable to attend the meeting in your home county, you may attend the other meeting being offered.

Contact the Wagoner County FSA Office at 485-4747 or the Muskogee County FSA Office at 682-8831 for more information.