BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO HONEY PRODUCERS The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, otherwise known as the Farm Bill, provides for the availability of marketing assistance loans and loan deficiency payments (LDPs), if available, for producers of 2010 crop honey. According to Chuck Hixon, County Executive Director for the Lincoln, Union and Jackson Parish Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Act provides for a non-recourse loan program. The loan rate for 2010 crop honey is 69 cents per pound. Mr. Hixon explained that producers who wish to forgo receiving a loan may choose to receive a loan deficiency payment (LDP) if one is in effect at the time of request. There is no LDP in effect for July 2010 because the alternative repayment rate of $1.40 per pound is higher than the loan rate. If the loan rate was higher than the alternative repayment rate, the difference between the two could be paid to the honey producer if beneficial interest was maintained and benefits on that particular honey had not been previously received. Beneficial Interest is having control of and title to the honey. "2010 crop loans, and LDPs, if in effect, will be available through March 31, 2011," Mr. Hixon stated. Anyone wishing additional information may contact their local Farm Service Agency Office (FSA). The FSA Office in Ruston is located at 1805 Trade Drive or may be reached by calling 318-255-2826.