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STATEMENT BY BRUCE R. WEBER, ACTING ADMINISTRATOR 



AGRICULTURAL STABILIZATION & CONSERVATION SERVICE 



U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



BEFORE THE 



SUBCOMMITTEE ON GENERAL FARM COMMODITIES 



COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE 



U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 



SEPTEMBER 28, 1993 



Mr. Chairman, and Members of the Subcommittee, I am happy to be 

 here with you today to give a general overview of the 1993 disaster program, 

 with specific emphasis on quality issues. We also have representatives from 

 other USDA agencies to help respond to questions. 



The 1993 disaster program was recently mandated by P.L. 103-75. 

 ASCS began accepting applications on July 22 for 1993 disaster-related crop 

 production and quality losses. The application period will end March 4, 1994. 



The current program operates much like the previous disaster programs: 

 if you have crop insurance, you must have a loss greater than 35 percent (40 

 percent without crop insurance); program and nonprogram crops are included; 

 payments per person may not exceed $100,000; and, pursuant to P.L. 103-75, 

 the President has determined that extra- ordinary circumstances exist that 

 warrant further assistance and has directed the Secretary of Agriculture to make 

 payments to producers. 



