WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sign-ups for the 2000 Apple Market Loss Assistance Program began Tuesday, Oct. 1, and will continue until Friday, Nov. 8. The program will provide money to eligible growers for their 2000-crop apple production.

Payments, which are authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill, will help offset economic losses from low prices in the U.S. apple market. Growers can receive a payment for every pound of harvested apples.

To receive cash payments, eligible apple producers must have produced and harvested apples during the 2000 crop year and applications must be filed during the sign-up period.

Payments will not be issued until sign-up has ended and a payment rate has been determined.

For more information, contact the Hancock County FSA office at 667-8462 or the Somerset and Piscataquis counties office at 474-8323.