SPOKANE, Wash., Aug. 3, 2015 – USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Pacific Northwest producers of the fast approaching 2016 sales closing deadlines for federal crop insurance programs. Producers need to buy, review, or modify their crop insurance policies before the sales closing date has passed. Crop insurance provides protection against crop production losses due to natural perils such as drought, hail, and excessive moisture.

The sales closing date for fall-planted canola and rapeseed in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington is August 31. The sales closing date for fall-planted onions in Umatilla, Oregon and Walla Walla, Washington is August 31. 

The sales closing date for fall-planted barley with winter coverage in select counties in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington is September 30. The sales closing date for fall-planted dry peas and lentils with winter coverage in select counties in Idaho and Washington is September 30. The sales closing date for forage (alfalfa) seed and for mint with winter coverage in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington is September 30. The sales closing date for wheat in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington is September 30.

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.