Emergency Payments on the Way to Farmers. Emergency assistance for farmers recently approved by Congress should be in farmer's hands by September 30 - when the current fiscal year ends.

The total amount for the U.S. is $5.5 billion - considerably less than last years $8.7 billion emergency aid, but near the level of 2001 AMTA payments. Individual commodity payment rates are: corn - $0.307 / bu.; wheat - $0.54 / bu.; cotton - $.0667 / lb.; and sorghum - $0.368 / bu. Soybean growers will get about $0.12 per bushel.

Georgia farmers are interested in assistance for tobacco growers - approximately $7.4 million for the state's growers which amounts to about $0.12 / lb. for current quota. Help for peanut growers will be about $25.80 for quota peanuts and $13.55 for additionals. These figures (estimates) are based on total quotas for these crops on Georgia farms.

The aid will be distributed automatically to eligible farmers - no need to drive to the local FSA office nor fill out any lengthy forms.

Looking to 2002, we understand AMTA payments will be less than those this year. This payment level is stipulated in the 1996 farm bill.(Bill Givan)

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