Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced that 2003 Hard White Wheat Incentive Program (HWWIP) payments to producers begin today.

“Increased production from this program will provide a more consistent supply of hard white wheat,” said Veneman.

This program, funded in the 2002 Farm Bill at $20 million, aims to increase the supply of hard white wheat available for domestic milling and export and applies to the 2003 through 2005 crop years in the United States.

Eligible producers will receive production incentive payments of $0.20 per bushel for a minimum of #2 or better hard white wheat, up to a maximum of 60 bushels for each planted acre. Incentive payments are issued only after producers submit settlement sheets to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) upon disposal of the production certified on the application. An additional incentive of $2.00 per acre is provided for each acre planted to certified registered or certified foundation seed.

Eligible producers that sign-up for the 2003 HWWIP, which began March 3, 2003, continues until May 31, 2004. FSA conducts HWWIP sign-up annually for each of the 2003 through 2005 crop years. Both hard white winter wheat and hard white spring wheat are eligible for payment. The end use of the wheat may not be for feed use.

To sign up for HWWIP, or for more information, producers should contact their local FSA offices.