Overview

What is the TAA Technical Assistance Requirement?

• Benefit: TAA technical assistance for producers of Concord Grapes in Washington is one of the benefits of the TAA for Farmers program. The technical assistance will include information on the status of world Concord Grapes markets and supply, options for adding value and alternative marketing of your Concord Grapes, evaluating your operation's business viability, analyzing production costs, and links to additional training opportunities available to producers.
  
• Requirement: TAA applicants are required to meet with an Extension Service employee or agent to receive technical assistance training before receiving a TAA payment from the USDA Farm Service Agency.
  
  Applicants do not need to have received technical assistance in order to file their TAA application at the USDA Farm Service Agency by the Close of Business Monday, June 26, 2006 application deadline.

How will applicants receive technical assistance?

• Workshops: TAA technical assistance will be offered through a series of 1 to 2 hour workshops conducted by Washington State Extension. Workshops will be scheduled so that every eligible producer will have access to technical assistance.

How do applicants find out where they can receive TAA technical Assistance?

• Schedule: The workshops will be concentrated in the counties where Concord Grapes are produced. TAA technical assistance sessions will begin shortly after the end of the sign-up period. The finalized schedule will be distributed through direct mail, news releases, and will be posted here.
   
• Certificate of attendance: At the conclusion of a workshop, you will receive two copies of a certificate of attendance. Present or mail one copy of the certificate of attendance to the Farm Service Agency to certify that you have received the required technical assistance, and keep the other for your records.