Ginners whose production is eligible for 2005 cottonseed disaster assistance have until Dec. 29 to file applications for the program with USDA.

Congress provided $15 million for the 2005 Cottonseed Payment Program, which is aimed at helping producers and first handlers of the 2005 cottonseed crop in counties affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Ophelia, Rita and Wilma.

Counties contiguous to those are also included in the program, according to National Cotton Council officials familiar with the program.

Ginners or producers who need more information can go to http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/cpp06.pdf. Links to the application worksheet and other related application information can be found at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=prsu&topic=ldp-as.

A map of eligible counties developed by NCC staff is available in the members’ only issues area of the NCC’s web site, http://www.cotton.org.