Bennet: Colorado Producers Can Apply for Payments Under SURE Program Until Sept. 30

Washington, D.C.– Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator for Colorado, announced today that Colorado agricultural producers have until Thursday, Sept. 30, to submit an application for payment under the 2008 Supplemental Revenue Assistance Payments (SURE) Program. SURE provides financial assistance for crop production and or quality losses due to a natural disaster.

 “In these uncertain times, Colorado’s farmers and ranchers can look to the SURE Program as a way to recoup crop production or quality losses caused by natural disasters,” Bennet said. “It’s important that producers are aware of the September deadline so they can get their applications in on time.”

FSA began accepting and processing 2008 SURE program applications in January 2010, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) allowed for a one-time increase in the calculation of 2008 SURE payments that are filed by Sept. 30, 2010.  Producers who do not file a 2008 SURE program payment application by Sept. 30, 2010, will not be considered eligible for 2008 SURE program payments.

Producers are encouraged to file an application for 2008 SURE payments regardless of whether they think they may or may not qualify.  For an electronic SURE program payment calculator and additional information regarding the SURE program, click here. Producers also can contact their local county FSA office.