(a) Ginseng is a value loss crop and is compensable only as allowed in this section. Ginseng is eligible only if:
- (1) The ginseng includes stratified seeds for use as propagation stock in a commercial ginseng operation or rootlet for commercial sale that are grown in a controlled, cultivatable environment on private property either owned or leased by the producer; and
- (2) The ginseng is grown using good ginseng growing practices with all plant needs supplied and under control of the producer;
(b) Ginseng will not be eligible to generate benefits under this part if it:
- (1) Is indigenous to the facility;
- (2) Is grown solely for medicinal purposes; and
- (3) Includes wild ginseng rootlet that is harvested and transplanted from woodland grown ginseng.
(c) Good ginseng growing practices must be followed, and include, but are not limited to:
- (1) Adequate drainage;
- (2) Proper and adequate shade;
- (3) Accurate pH level;
- (4) Adequate and timely fertilization, including an adequate supply to ensure nutrient reserves to the ginseng plants and customary application equipment;
- (5) Adequate pest control, including but not limited to, weed, rodent, and wildlife control; and
- (6) Disease control.
(d) Ginseng producers must:
- (1) Provide a report of inventory of all ginseng, as determined by FSA;
- (2) Provide production and sales records necessary to determine the value of eligible ginseng;
- (3) Allow an FSA-certified loss adjustor to verify loss, including physically removing representative samples;
- (4) Maintain and provide, as determined by FSA, adequate records of fertilization, and pest and disease controls used or put into place during the crop year; and
- (5) Possess a valid food processing license issued by the applicable State Department of Agriculture or equivalent and subject to food regulations administered by the Food and Drug Administration.
- (e) In the crop year in which a notice of loss is filed, producers may be required, at the discretion of FSA, to provide evidence the ginseng was produced in accordance with this section.
[67 FR 12448, Mar. 19, 2002, as amended at 79 FR 74582,74583, Dec. 15, 2014]