The United States Department of Agriculture released a reminder this week to producers about a change mandated in the 2014 Farm Bill.

The stipulation requires all producers to have a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification, form AD-1026, on file with their local Farm Service Agency Office. The form is required to be on file for producers to maintain eligibility for various programs administered by the Farm Service Agency and the Natural Resources Conservation Service including premium support paid under the federal crop insurance program.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said that many farmers already have the form on file because of the vast amount of programs that require it to be on file. According to the USDA, if producers have not yet filed the form they must do so by June, 1 2015.

“It’s important that farmers and ranchers taking the right steps to conserve valuable farm and natural resources have completed AD-1026 forms on file at their local FSA office,” Said Vilsack. “This will ensure they remain eligible for crop insurance support.”

According to the USDA, when a farmer completes AD-1026, FSA and NRCS staff will outline any additional actions required to maintain compliance.

Eligibility for most commodity, disaster and conservation programs have been linked to compliance with highly erodible land conservation and wetland conservation stipulations since the Food Security Act of 1985, or 1985 Farm Bill.

FSA recently released a revised version of form AD-1026. The form is available online or at USDA Service Centers. According to the USDA, they will publish a rule later this year that will provide details outlining the connection of conservation compliance with crop insurance premium support. Producers can also contact their local USDA Service Center for information. A listing of service center locations is available here.

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