04-22649. Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers

AGENCY:

Foreign Agricultural Service, USDA.

ACTION:

Notice.

The Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), re-certified the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) petition that was filed by the United Fishermen of Alaska on behalf of Alaska salmon fishermen and initially certified on November 6, 2003. Salmon fishermen holding permits and licenses in the State of Alaska will be eligible to apply for fiscal year 2005 benefits during a 90-day period beginning on October 15, 2004. The application period closes on January 13, 2005.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Upon investigation, the Administrator determined that continued increases in imports of farmed salmon contributed importantly to a decline in the average landed price of salmon in Alaska by 35.2 percent during the 2003 marketing period (January-December 2003), compared to the 1997-2001 base period. Eligible producers may request technical assistance from the Extension Service at no cost and receive an adjustment assistance payment, if certain program criteria are satisfied.

Producers of raw agricultural commodities wishing to learn more about TAA and how they may apply should contact the Department of Agriculture at the addresses provided below for General Information.

Producers Certified as Eligible for TAA, Contact: Farm Service Agency service centers.

For General Information About TAA, Contact: Jean-Louis Pajot, Coordinator, Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farmers, FAS, USDA, [phone], email: [e-mail].

Dated: September 23, 2004.

A. Ellen Terpstra,

Administrator, Foreign Agricultural Service.