§7956 Planting flexibility

Summary

Farmers may plant any crop on land counted as peanut base acres, but there are limits for certain crops. Fruits, most vegetables (except lentils, mung beans, and dry peas), and wild rice are restricted. If a crop from that list grows on a tree or other perennial plant, it cannot be planted on peanut base acres. Other listed crops may only be planted if they are removed before harvest. There are three exceptions the Secretary can allow. Planting is allowed in regions with a history of double-cropping. It can also be allowed on farms with a history of planting those crops, or by producers with an established planting history, but payments called direct payments and counter-cyclical payments will be reduced by one acre for each acre planted. For producers with a planting history, the amount planted cannot exceed the average annual acres planted in 1991–1995 or 1998–2001 (ignoring years with no plantings), as set by the Secretary.