Ceri Austin 
Trade Adjustment Assistance for Farming (TAAF) was established by wide-ranging trade legislation in 2002 and authorized up to $90 million annually through FY2007. The program provides payments to eligible agricultural producers of up to $10,000 per year. To qualify, producers must belong to a certified group and meet certain criteria. The program is administered by the Department of Agriculture.
Proponents of free trade argue that trade reduces prices for consumers and benefits nearly everyone. Free trade also helps the U.S. economy by increasing wealth, which allows consumers in the U.S. to buy more goods from overseas. However, critics of free trade claim that it cannot replace lost jobs. It is true that new jobs in new industries may pay less than the old ones, but they may be higher paying than the jobs that were lost before free trade.
Trade Adjustment Assistance can help workers regain employment. It includes a wide range of benefits and services that help eligible workers find new careers. TAFA can also help workers obtain trade credentials. One form to fill out is a petition that indicates that a person’s job loss was caused by foreign trade.
TAAF is a federal program that provides financial and technical assistance to U.S. manufacturing and production firms affected by trade. It funds industry-specific consultants and experts. The program pays the cost of half the fees charged by these consultants. TAAF also helps firms improve management, marketing, and workflow. The program is administered by the Department of Commerce.
To apply for TAA, an individual must have experienced either a reduction in pay or separation from the company. In addition, he or she must belong to a worker group whose petition has been certified. The petition must be filed within one year of the worker’s layoff. After the certification, the worker is eligible to receive individual TAA benefits.
Individuals who wish to apply for TAA are encouraged to contact their Trade Representative and NH Works. If they plan to enroll in a full-time TAA-approved training program, they may be eligible to receive an additional 104 weeks of income support. However, they must enroll within 26 weeks of certification.
Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance is another program available for older workers affected by trade. ATAA provides 50% of the difference between a person’s separation wage and reemployment pay. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria are eligible for relocation allowances and health coverage tax credits. The maximum benefit for ATAA is $10,000 over two years.
