NB_300_22_58 - NB 300-22-58 LTP – Guidance on Providing Coronavirus Agricultural Relief Payments (CARPs) for Eligible High Tunnel Systems and Seasonal High Tunnels
NB 300-22-58 LTP – Guidance on Providing Coronavirus Agricultural Relief Payments (CARPs) for Eligible High Tunnel Systems and Seasonal High Tunnels
National
Bulletin:
300-22-58
Date:
September 15, 2022
Subject:
LTP – Guidance on Providing Coronavirus Agricultural Relief Payments (CARPs) for Eligible High Tunnel Systems and Seasonal High Tunnels
Action Required By: December 31, 2022
Purpose. To expand the authority to provide CARPs to two additional practices, where eligible: High Tunnel Systems (325) and Seasonal High Tunnels (798).
Expiration Date. September 30, 2022
Background. The 2019 Coronavirus disease disrupted agricultural output and global supply chains. As a result, prices on certain commodities (e.g., lumber, steel, polyvinyl chloride, and concrete) that are commonly used for NRCS practices and activities have increased dramatically. These higher material prices have been associated with delayed practice implementation and cancelation requests. For participants who continue to implement their contracted practices, the increased material prices have generated additional financial costs not anticipated at the time of contract obligation.
NRCS conducted an economic analysis in July 2021 to determine which practices were most likely to be affected by increases in commodity prices for at least five Farm Bill programs spanning fiscal years (FYs) 2015 through 2021. To reduce the impacts to participants and ensure that contracts could be implemented in a timely manner, NRCS made additional financial assistance (CARPs) available to participants with FY 2012 through FY 2021 EQIP contracts that included the scenarios most affected by higher commodity prices. CARPs were provided for practices completed between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022.
NRCS conducted a second economic analysis in July 2022 that showed that two additional practices, High Tunnel Systems (325) and Seasonal High Tunnels (798), have been greatly affected by higher commodity prices. Historically underserved (HU) participants are disproportionately affected by these higher prices, as 85% of the high tunnel practices planned within the time period analyzed are part of HU contracts. In light of this data and in support of the Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, NRCS will provide CARPs to all participants with eligible FY 2015 through FY 2021 EQIP contracts that include High Tunnel Systems or Seasonal High Tunnels, if those practices are installed between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022. SeeNB 300-22-43 LTP – Extension of Authority to Provide Coronavirus Agricultural Relief Payments (CARPs) and its Attachments A, C, and D for guidance on processing these payments. Within Attachment A, follow the steps outlined for the “required process.”
Explanation. Explanation. NRCS is adding High Tunnel Systems and Seasonal High Tunnels to the list of practices eligible for CARPs. States should provide CARPs to eligible participants with FY2015 – FY2021 EQIP contracts for practices completed by December 31, 2022, in accordance with NB 300-22-43 LTP.
Note: Only active FY 2015-2021 contracts are eligible for CARPs for High Tunnel Systems and Seasonal High Tunnels. Expired, canceled, and terminated contracts are not eligible to receive a CARP.
Required Actions:
1. Follow the instructions in NB 300-22-43 LTP – Extension of Authority to Provide Coronavirus Agricultural Relief Payments (CARPs) and its Attachments A, C, and D for providing CARPs. Within Attachment A, adhere to the steps outlined for the “required process,” and use practice codes 325 (High Tunnel System) and 798 (Seasonal High Tunnel System for Crops).
2. Process CARPs as appropriate.
Contact. Direct questions to the FAPD SharePoint Site through your State program manager.