It is available to growers from apple orchards that produced and harvested apples during the 1998 or 1999 crop year. Since a set amount of money is available, the amount each grower receives will depend on how many growers sign up and the amount of production each grower claims. A national payment rate will be determined and announced after the end of the signup. FSA will base payments on an apple operation's production for the higher of the 1998 or 1999 crop year, up to a maximum of 1.6 million pounds per operation. Production receiving market loss payments under any other federal program, with the exception of Federal Crop Insurance, will not be eligible for additional market loss payments under this program.
Growers receiving crop disaster payments are still eligible for the market loss payments.
Individuals, partnerships, joint ventures and other legal entities are all eligible. An individual's payment will be based on the person's share in the operation. Only one application need be submitted per operation. Applicants may request a form to enroll in the program in person, by mail, phone or fax. Although production records are not required at the time of signup, FSA conducts random spot checks to ensure accountability.