ORIGINALLY WRITTEN BILL HARMON, FARM SERVICE AGENCY
The enactment of the Improper Payments Information Act (IPIA) of 2002 requires annual reports of erroneous payments from all government agencies.
The Farm Service Agency recent report has created concern for improper payments and lack of program documentation from farm producers.
Therefore, a complete and thorough review of all 2006 fiscal year program forms and payments is being conducted by county FSA offices across the country.
Specific individuals may be asked to complete or revise forms AD-1026 (highly erodible land & wetland conservation certification), CCC-502 (farm operating plan), CCC-526 (average adjusted gross income certification), and FSA-211 (power of attorney).
Entities will be required to submit copies of applicable corporate, estate, partnership or trust documents.
As a result of this review, there will be a temporary delay in our abilities to process and service producer requests for participation in Direct & Counter-cyclical Program (DCP), Loan Deficiency Program (LDP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), and other FSA benefit programs for 2007.
The improper payments issue is a high priority for the U.S. Department of Agriculture as we must be confident that all necessary file records and payments are complete and correct.
For 2007, a process checklist will be employed to assess the need for information in each program area.
We regret any inconvenience these actions may cause, but assure producers that we commit ourselves to providing the best and most timely possible service to everyone.
Bill Harmon is executive director for the Marion County FSA office.
