WASHINGTON, May, 15, 2014 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) today announced the availability of $7 million for risk management education and training programs. The programs provide risk management organizations with resources to develop training and education programs to help farmers and ranchers effectively manage long-term risks and challenges.

"Crop insurance has been a proven risk management strategy for farmers of all sizes and operations,” said RMA Administrator Brandon Willis. “We’re committed to giving farmers the tools they need to use the program in the way that works best for them.”

Through these partnerships, producers will receive assistance in understanding and using crop insurance programs as well as other risk management strategies and tools so they can make the best risk management decisions for their agricultural operations. Past training partners have included universities, county cooperative extensions and non-profit organizations that specialize in crop insurance and risk management education.

Funding includes $5 million for the Crop Insurance in Targeted States Program. The program provides funding for the development of crop insurance education programs in 16 states targeting underserved producers.targeting underserved producers.

Additionally, $2 million in funding is available for the Risk Management Education Partnerships Program, which provides funding for the development of general nationwide crop insurance education as well as other risk management training programs.

A broad range of risk management training activities are eligible for consideration under each of the funding opportunities. The 2014 Farm Bill expanded the list to include farm financial benchmarking efforts. Training can also focus on educating farmers on the federal crop insurance program and options resulting from the Farm Bill provisions.

Applications for the Crop Insurance in Targeted States Program are due on or before 11:59 p.m. EST on June 30, 2014. Applications for the Risk Management Education Partnerships Program are due on or before 11:59 p.m. EST on June 30, 2014. All applications must be submitted electronically through Results Verification System and received on or before the deadline.

A strong farm safety net is important to sustain the success of American agriculture. USDA's crop insurance program insured more than 295 million acres, with 1.2 million policies, and $123 billion worth of liability last year. Visit RMA Home to learn more about RMA and its programs.