Farmers have the chance to voice their thoughts on a USDA program. The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is gathering feedback on possible changes to prevented planting crop insurance coverage. According to the RMA, prevented planting provisions in insurance policies can provide valuable coverage when extreme weather conditions prevent expected plantings. The agency is hosting virtual and in-person listening sessions …
Plan Would Increase Access to Crop and Livestock Insurance
Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act. It would equip new producers, beginning farmers, and U.S. veterans with the crop insurance protections they need to be productive, profitable, and successful. The legislation would align the definition of “Beginning Farmer” to match most other beginning-farmer programs, extending crop and livestock insurance protections …
Crop Insurance Deadline Nears in Florida for Citrus Tree and Fruit Growers
The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) is reminding Florida citrus tree and fruit growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2023 crop year is April 15th. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the April 15 sales closing date to do so. RMA notes that coverage is available for avocado …
Farm Bureau Analysis: 2022 Crop Losses Top $21 Billion
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) estimates 2022 crop losses due to weather and climate change at more than $21.4 billion. The AFBF Market Intel analysis shows in 2022, 18 weather and climate disasters, each with damages exceeding $1 billion struck the United States. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that 2022 surpassed 2021 as the third-costliest disaster …
USDA Expands Hurricane Insurance Protection
Farmers may now be eligible for further protection against damaging tropical storms. After hearing directly from agricultural producers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding its Hurricane Insurance Protection-Wind Index (HIP-WI) Endorsement with a Tropical Storm Option. USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) will offer this option for the 2023 crop year. RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger says during the past …
Organizations Trying to Protect the Federal Crop Insurance Program
Various organizations, including those in the peanut industry, are working together to protect the Federal Crop Insurance Program. Tyron Spearman has more details.
Crop Insurance Reminder
USDA’s Risk Management Agency has a reminder about a crop insurance deadline coming up in 3 weeks. Tyron Spearman has more details.
NRCS Encourages Producers to Attend Upcoming RMA Workshop
Southeast AgNet’s Randall Weiseman talked to USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) Administrator Marcia Bunger, and the virtual event coming up next Tuesday. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) encouragesproducers and industry leaders to attend an upcoming virtual workshop about the Whole-Farm RevenueProtection (WFRP) and Micro Farm insurance options, scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 11 …
Florida Special Legislative Session Eyed on Taxes, Insurance
(NSF/TALLAHASSEE, FL/Oct. 20, 2022) — Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday he plans to call a special legislative session to provide property-tax relief to people affected by Hurricane Ian, with the session possibly addressing property-insurance issues. DeSantis also said he planned to issue an executive order that would delay tax-payment deadlines in storm-impacted counties until lawmakers can put changes into law. …
RMA Insurance Options for Specialty Crops, Organics
The USDA is targeting specialty crop, organic, and urban ag producers for listening sessions on two insurance options, Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) and the Micro Farm insurance options. WFRP and Micro Farm are two of the most comprehensive risk management options available. “We want to make sure farmers and ranchers know about these very important insurance options. We invite specialty crop, organic, urban and …