BANGOR – David Lavway, state executive director of USDA’s Farm Service Agency, announced sign-up dates for the Livestock Compensation, Livestock Indemnity and Crop Disaster programs.

The three disaster programs provide benefits to farmers and ranchers who sustained losses caused by natural disasters in recent years.

“Between 2005 and early 2007, agricultural producers across the county experienced financial difficulties as the result of devastating drought, floods, blizzards, tornadoes and other natural disasters,” Lavway said. “… FSA is delivering these benefits to America’s farmers and ranchers at a time when many need it the most.”

Eligible livestock producers may apply to receive benefits beginning today. Eligible farmers may sign-up for the Crop Disaster Program beginning Monday, Oct. 15, if they sustained quantity losses to their crops. USDA will announce and conduct CDP sign-up for quality losses as soon as possible.

More information about these programs is available in a fact sheet titled Agricultural Assistance Act of 2007 on on FSA’s Web site, http://www.fsa.usda.gov. Click on Disaster Assistance Programs. USDA is developing individual fact sheets about these programs that will be posted online.