Eligible gins are urged to sign-up for the 2004 Cottonseed Payment Program (CPP) by the March 27 deadline. Information for the program, including a fact sheet, eligibility requirements, applications, instructions and a list of eligible counties, are available at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/dafp/psd/cottonseed.htm or by contacting local USDA Farm Service Agency offices.

First handlers of cottonseed, defined as gins that have eligible payment quantities, may apply for CPP funds. The quantity eligible for payment is based on losses by cotton producers in eligible counties due to hurricanes or tropical storms. The loss determination is to be calculated on a producer-by-producer and farm-by-farm basis using producer certification, ginning records and other relevant information. The basis for calculating a producer's losses is a comparison of lint deliveries in 2003 and 2004 for eligible farms to all gins. The difference is adjusted to reflect changes in planted acres on the eligible farms for 2003 and 2004.

Applications must be submitted by March 27 by fax to (202) 690-1536 or by overnight mail to USDA/FSA/PSD, Attn: Chris Kyer, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Stop 0512-Room 4089, Washington, DC.