USDA Launches New Trade Adjustment Assistance Program

USDA Launches New Trade Adjustment Assistance Program

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman on Aug. 21, 2003, announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture?s (USDA) new Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers (TAA) program. USDA will start accepting petitions immediately from authorized representatives and U.S. agricultural producers for assistance.

Under the program, technical assistance and adjustment payments will be provided to agricultural, livestock and aquacultural producers if it is demonstrated that increased imports of competitive commodities have contributed importantly to a 20-percent or more price decline compared to the average price over five preceding marketing years.

The Trade Act of 2002 established the TAA for Farmers program and authorized appropriations to carry out the program not to exceed $90 million a year for fiscal years 2003 through 2007. The Federal Register explaining the program can be located at: http://www.fas.usda.gov/info/fr/2003/082003taa.htm

According to Peter Orwick, executive director of the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI), ?The association is currently doing the analysis for eligibility on price impact of imports for a five-year average.?

Staff contact: Peter Orwick, ext. 33

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