Washington, DC
April 24, 2003

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today invited public comments on proposed regulations for the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers program.

Under the program, USDA will provide funds to eligible producers of raw agricultural commodities when the Secretary determines that increased imports have contributed importantly to a specific price decline over five preceding marketing years.

The Trade Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-210) established the program and the procedures for producers to petition for certification of eligibility and apply for adjustment assistance payments.

Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before May 23, 2003.

They should be mailed or delivered to Jean-Louis Pajot, Import Policies and Programs Division, Foreign Agricultural Service, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, STOP 1021, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250-1021. Comments may also be e-mailed to Jean-Louis.Pajot@usda.gov.  Comments may be reviewed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays in room 5541-S, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-1021.

For further information, contact Jean-Louis Pajot at (202) 720-2916 or by e-mail at
Jean-Louis.Pajot@usda.gov.

The request for public comments was published in today’s Federal Register, which can be accessed on the web at http://www.fas.usda.gov/info/fr/notices.html.

Persons who require an alternative means for communication of information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s Target Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).