The Risk Management Agency (RMA) has made the following revisions to the Apiculture (API) and Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) Crop Provisions for the 2021 crop year.
Apiculture Changes:

• Provided guidance on how to determine the total insurable colonies requirements in Section 4 of the policy.
• Added records requirements to clarify that records are required to maintain for a period of three years.
• Added flexibility for types of documentation a producer can provide to verify a lease.
• Added a Verifiable Records definition.

RI Basic Provision Changes (Both Programs)

• Revised to allow insurance for grids that cross the U.S. border or are along the ocean. The insured may now insure the grid closest to the point of reference.
• Added additional language to address when an insured misreports information on the acreage report.
• Clarified what will happen when NOAA CPC makes changes to data after RMA publishes.
• Revised lease certification documentation requirements.
• Removed all references to the Vegetation Index Policy.
• Other minor editorial edits to be consistent with other policies.

PRF Changes:

• Clarified that a separate point of reference is required for non-contiguous acreage.
• Minor editorial edits.

The following materials will be available, by close of business today, on the RMA website at www.rma.usda.gov/Policy-and-Procedure/Insurance-Plans/Rainfall-Index.

• Rainfall Index Plan Common Policy (21-RIVI)
• Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Crop Provisions (21-RI-PRF)
• Apiculture Crop Provisions (21-RI-API)
• Rainfall Index Insurance Standards Handbook

Questions regarding these modifications may be directed to rma.kcviri@usda.gov.

DISPOSAL DATE:
December 31, 2020