Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced recently that $15 million is available to domestic asparagus producers to compensate for marketing losses resulting from imports during the 2004-2007 crop years. Affected producers may now apply for compensation.

The Asparagus Revenue Market Loss Assistance Payment Program (ALAP) is authorized by the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (Farm Bill). The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) will provide an allocation of $7.5 million in payments for asparagus marketed as fresh, and $7.5 million for processed asparagus. The sign up period ends on April 8, 2011.

Eligible producers must also have produced and marketed asparagus in commercial quantities in commercial markets in the U.S. during both of the 2003 and 2007 crop years.

For more information, contact the nearest Farm Service Agency county office or visit www.fsa.usda.gov.