The U.S. Department of Agriculture is requesting comments on a proposed rule that would establish the procedures and eligibility criteria for receiving assistance under the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers Program.

The TAA for Farmers Program applies to producers of raw agricultural commodities and fishermen who must show a greater than 15 percent decrease in the national average price, the quantity of production, value of production, or cash receipts compared to the average of the three preceding marketing years. The assistance includes help in developing a business adjustment plan that can serve as a guide for adjusting a producer's business operation to economic conditions.

Comments should be mailed or hand delivered to Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers Program staff, Office of Trade Programs, Foreign Agricultural Service, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., STOP 1021, Washington, DC 20250-1021. Comments may also be e-mailed to tradeadjustment@fas.usda.gov.