The U.S. Department of Agriculture is reminding sweet cherry growers that they are eligible to apply for cash payments through the 2019 Market Facilitation Program.

According to a news release, MFP is part of a trade mitigation package aimed at assisting farmers suffering from financial damage caused by trade disruptions.

Administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency, the program provides direct payments to producers of eligible commodities, including fresh sweet cherries.

To qualify for MFP benefits, sweet cherry trees must have been planted or grafted before Jan. 1, 2016.

Payments for fresh sweet cherries are based on 2019 acreage. The payment rate for eligible cherry acreage is $1,555 per acre.

Producers may apply for MFP through Dec. 6.

For a full list of eligible commodities, visit farmers.gov/mfp.

To connect with your local FSA service center, visit farmers.gov/service-center-locator.

—by Jonelle Mejica