As a result of the detrimental effect of the current trade war and tariff situation with China, pecan growers are eligible for participation in the 2019 Market Facilitation Program, a USDA program recently announced as part of trade mitigation efforts. As opposed to the 2018 trade mitigation program, pecan farmers will receive a direct payment in 2019. Nut crop producers, including pecans, will receive $146/acre based on their 2019 FSA reported acreage. Growers should sign up from from Monday, July 29 through Friday, December 6, 2019 at their local FSA office.

The MFP payments will be in up to three portions, with the first payments ($77/acre) in mid- to late August. The 2nd and 3rd payments will come in November and January, respectively, if the tariffs have not been reduced by then. Payments to specialty crop producers are limited to a combined $250,000, according to the release.

It is important to note that the inclusion of pecans in this trade mitigation program and the disaster recovery programs following hurricane Michael have been a direct result of pecans having a place at the table in Washington through the Pecan PAC, which was put into place in 2018 under the leadership of The National Pecan Federation and the Redding Firm. Support of the Pecan PAC ensures pecans will continue to have a voice and place at the table in Washington as decisions are made that affect the pecan industry.

 

 

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