The executors of the estates of dairy producers who may have passed away since 28 September 1999 should remember to apply for the Dairy Structural Adjustment Program (DSAP) assistance, Dairy Adjustment Authority board member, Jim Forsyth said today.

"The rules are that any person with an eligible interest in a dairy farm operation as at 28 September last year is eligible to apply for financial assistance," Mr Forsyth said.

"That means that beneficiaries of producers who may have passed away since 28 September 1999 may be entitled to funds from the Dairy Structural Adjustment Program.

"I don’t imagine there are a large number of people who fall into that category, but it would be well worth a phone call to the Authority if you think you may be a beneficiary of someone who had an eligible interest in a dairy farm at that date last year," he added.

Mr Forsyth said estranged or divorced partners of dairy farm operators who received a share of the milk revenue on 28 September 1999 may also be eligible to receive a DSAP payment.

"There may be people who have separated from their partners where, as at 28 September last year, they received a portion of the milk revenue," Mr Forsyth said. "People in such circumstances should contact the Authority and lodge an application form if appropriate.

"It is also important to remind people who may be acting on behalf of a dairy farmer who may be absent for some reason and can’t get a form in. There is only one chance to secure this financial assistance and there will be no extensions to the 17 August 2000 application deadline."

The Dairy Adjustment Authority has set up a helpline to guide producers and others through the application process step-by-step. The number is 1800 503 603. Trained staff are on hand to answer questions and assist with the completion of the application process.

"I would also like to make a special appeal to persons who, say, may have left the dairy industry after 28 September 1999," Mr Forsyth said. "There is every chance you may be eligible and you should get an application form in.

"It is important to realise that despite changes to personal circumstances which may have occurred since 28 September 1999, you may still be eligible for funding."