Dairy Producers Can Enroll or Opt-Out of 2018 Coverage

The Farm Service Agency announced that dairy producers can enroll for 2018 coverage in the Margin Protection Program starting on Friday, September 1st. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue has given producers some flexibility by giving them the option of opting out of the program for 2018. Acting Undersecretary for Farm Production and Conservation, Rob Johansson, says Perdue is using his authority to allow producers to opt out and not pay the annual administrative fee for 2018. Johannson says, “The decision is in response to requests from the dairy industry and a number of MPP dairy program participants.” In order to opt out, a producer should simply not sign up during the enrollment period. It’s important to remember that if a producer does opt out, they won’t be eligible for benefits if payments are triggered in 2018. The decision to opt out is for 2018 only and is not retroactive. Enrollment for 2018 coverage in the program ends on December 15th.