LEWISTON – Farmers who suffered losses caused by natural disasters in recent years are reminded to sign up for three new ad hoc disaster program, announced Jane Harden, county executive director for the USDA Farm Service Agency in Androscoggin/Sagadahoc County.

The new programs are the Livestock Compensation Program, Livestock Indemnity Program and Crop Disaster Program.

Eligible farmers and other livestock producers can apply to receive benefits under the sign-up for the Livestock Compensation Program and Livestock Indemnity Program, which began Sept. 10.

Sign-up for the Crop Disaster Program began Oct. 15 and applies to farmers who suffered quantity losses to their crops. Sign-up end dates for the programs will be announced at a future date. USDA will also announce a sign-up for quality losses soon.

“Although ending dates for the sign-up periods have not yet been decided, it is important producers get their applications to their local Farm Service Agency office as soon as possible. Timely applications will ensure they receive timely payments,” said Harden.

More information is available in a fact sheet, “Agricultural Assistance Act of 2007,” found on http://www.fsa.usda.gov; click on disaster assistance programs.