Cotton farmers have until Aug. 5 to take advantage of the Cotton Ginning Cost-Share program.

Southeast growers who planted cotton in 2015 can receive a one-time payment of $47.44 per acre, up to $40,000 per farmer. Applicants must be actively engaged in farming and meet conservation compliance. There is a $900,000 adjusted gross income limit.

The average assistance to cotton producers from the program is estimated to be about $4,200 per farm or $8,100 per producer. For comparison, the 2014 Cotton Transition Assistance Program provided about $2,600 per farm or $5,200 per producer on average.

As many cotton farmers face economic uncertainty, CGCS seeks to expand and maintain domestic cotton marketing.

The Alabama Farmers Federation’s Carla Hornady encouraged farmers to look into the program. “These are hard economic times for our farmers, particularly those growing cotton,” said Hornady. “Any assistance available to offset costs, in this case ginning costs, is welcome.”

Contact the Farm Service Agency for more information or to apply.