Enrollment for the 2009 Direct and Counter-cyclical Payment Program for farms with base acres continues online and at local USDA service centers until June 1, 2009.

USDA will not accept late-filed applications.

USDA computes DCP program payments using base acres and payment yields established for each farm.

Eligible producers receive direct payments at rates established by statute regardless of market prices. For 2009, eligible producers may request to receive advance direct payments based on 22 percent of the direct payment for each commodity associated with the farm. USDA began issuing advance direct payments in December.

Counter-cyclical payment rates vary depending on market prices and are issued only when the effective price for a commodity is statutorily set below its target price.

Those eligible for the DCP program also will be eligible to enroll in the Average Crop Revenue Election Program. The enrollment period for the ACRE Program will begin in the spring.

In exchange for participating in ACRE, in addition to not receiving counter-cyclical payments, a farm's direct payment is reduced by 20 percent, and marketing assistance loan rates are reduced by 30 percent.

The decision to enroll in the ACRE program is irrevocable. The owner of the farm and all producers on the farm must agree to enroll in ACRE.

Once enrolled, the farm shall be enrolled for that initial crop year and will remain in ACRE through the 2012 crop year.