Oats, Potato, Sugarcane, and Wheat Growers Need to Make Insurance Decisions Soon
Tallahassee, FL (FDACS) – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (USDA RMA) reminds Florida oats, potato, sugarcane, and wheat growers that September 30 is the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2020 crop year. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the September 30 sales closing date to do so.
“From worsening storms and intensifying weather to climate change, Florida faces an increasing risk of damage to crops,” said Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried. “I encourage all Florida producers to get informed, check their crop insurance status, and make sure to apply for the 2020 crop year before the deadline.”
Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Coverage is available for oats in Alachua, Calhoun, Escambia, Gadsden, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Levy, Okaloosa, Walton, and Washington counties. Coverage is also available for potatoes in Charlotte, Collier, Highlands, Indian River, Lee, Manatee, and Okeechobee counties. Coverage is available for sugarcane in Glades, Hendry, Martin, and Palm Beach counties. Coverage is also available for wheat in Alachua, Calhoun, Columbia, Escambia, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Walton, and Washington counties.
Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2020 crop year. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Growers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online.
For more information about crop insurance, contact Ronnie Price with USDA at ronnie.price@usda.gov, or visitwww.rma.usda.gov.
Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services