RALEIGH, N.C., July 1, 2016 - USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds North Carolina clary sage producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2017 crop year is July 31, 2016. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the July 31 sales closing date to do so.

Crop insurance provides protection against a loss in production due to natural perils such as adverse weather conditions, failure of irrigation water supply, fire, insects or plant disease, or wildlife. Clary sage planted for harvest and extraction of sclareol, and grown under a processor contract is insurable under the insurance policy.

Clary sage producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2017 crop year. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at the RMA website

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).