FSA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The meeting, which will start at 6 p.m., will discuss the requirements when applying for FSA assistance, according to Ramon B. Camacho, Saipan and Northern Islands Municipal Council chairman.
The council, the Department of Lands and Natural Resources-Division of Agriculture and the Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research Extension and Education Service are collaborating to help local farmers and ranchers secure federal assistance.
NMC-CREES agricultural consultant Sid Cabrera, who is also the president of the Sabalu Farmers Market, said the meeting will discuss the benefits of the federal reimbursement transportation cost payment program for geographically disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.
He said farmers and ranchers whose annual production is valued at $1,000 a year are eligible to seek assistance from the program.
Under the program, farmers and ranchers who purchase eligible items such as seeds, fertilizers, chemicals, boxes, fencing materials, tractors, tillers, irrigation equipment, hogs and cattle can get transportation relief.
The program payments made through the Farm Service Agency are intended to offset a portion of the costs of transporting agricultural inputs and products over long distances.
Camacho, who chairs the county committee of the Farm Service Agency for Saipan, said the eligible reimbursement amounts vary: from less than $50 to the maximum cap of $8,000 per entity.
