By Hannah Dillon

hannah.dillon@albertleatribune.com

Farmers must certify their conservation compliance by June 1 in order to remain or become eligible for crop insurance premium support.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a press release that the 2014 Farm Bill requires farmers to file certification by June 1 regarding highly erodible land and wetland conservation.

Many farmers already have a certification form on file as it is required to participate in many USDA programs, including marketing assistance loans, farm storage facility loans and disaster assistance, according to a press release.

However, speciality crop growers may not participate in other USDA programs, so they may not have certification form on file. These farmers, and any farmers who do not have a form on file, must file certification to maintain crop insurance premium support.

“USDA employees are working very hard to get the word out about this new Farm Bill provision,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack in the release. “While many producers will not need to take action, we want to help make sure that those who are required to act do so by the June 1 deadline. We want all eligible producers to be able to maintain their ability to protect their operations with affordable insurance.”

In order to file a conservation form, farmers in Freeborn County should visit the Albert Lea USDA service center at 1400 W. Main St.

The Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form is available at local USDA service centers or online at www.fsa.usda.gov/AD1026form. When a farmer completes this form, USDA Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service staff will outline any additional actions that may be required for compliance with highly erodible land and wetland provisions.