Expanding Access to Risk Protection Final Rule Modernizes Crop Insurance for 2026
The U.S. farm community is preparing for important changes after U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that updates are coming to federal crop insurance processes. The Expanding Access to Risk Protection Final Rule is designed to streamline requirements across multiple crops, improve program efficiency, and respond directly to producer feedback. These updates mark a significant step toward modernizing America’s farm safety net.
In her announcement, Secretary Rollins emphasized the administration’s commitment to reducing regulatory barriers. She stated, “President Trump is cutting burdensome regulations and strengthening the farm safety net to ensure the future viability of American agriculture. Across the Trump Administration, we are removing burdensome regulations that were strangling small businesses. For every new regulation, President Trump has eliminated a remarkable 48 – lifting a weighted blanket from the American economy. With this new rule, we are delivering real, meaningful relief by modernizing the system, expanding access to crop insurance, and making it easier, not harder, for farmers and ranchers to protect their operations and keep doing the work that keeps America fueled and fed. We are continuing to put Farmers First every step of the way.”
At the core of the rule are several regulatory reductions aimed at improving land access and simplifying participation in crop insurance programs. Key improvements include:
- Prevented planting relief to support producers facing adverse conditions
- Streamlined production reporting requirements across multiple crops
- Expanded direct marketing options for farmers needing flexibility
- Simplified dispute resolution for faster problem-solving
- Deregulated coverage dates to make enrollment more straightforward
Additionally, the final rule incorporates several policy updates such as implementing provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Revenue Protection Clarifications, and various crop-specific improvements.
The rule became effective November 30 for crops with a contract change date on or after that day for the 2026 crop year, and for the 2027 crop year where specified.
Producers are encouraged to participate in the ongoing public comment period, which remains open until January 27, 2026. Farmers seeking more details should connect with their local crop insurance agent or visit the Risk Management Agency (RMA) website for further guidance.
This final rule represents a major step toward a more accessible and efficient crop insurance system—one designed to better support the farmers and ranchers who keep America fed.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.