SPOKANE, Wash., Dec.1, 2017 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) announces the expansion of the availability of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation’s (FCIC) Dry Pea crop policy into Fairbanks North Star and Southeast Fairbanks Boroughs for the 2018 crop year.

"With Alaska growers’ interest in the dry pea policy, RMA was able to expand the program into two Alaska boroughs for the 2018 crop year," said Ben Theil, director of RMA's Spokane Regional Office. "We appreciate the involvement of the Alaska Farm Bureau, local dry pea producers and Alaska industry experts from Extension Service and Farm Service Agency County Offices as these changes were being proposed," he said.

Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. The dry pea plan provides coverage for damage resulting from naturally occurring events. It is similar to other individual yield-based insurance plans and uses a producer’s Actual Production History to establish the insurance guarantee. The sales closing date for the dry pea plan is March 15, 2018.

Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details on the dry pea policy. 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. Growers 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 www.rma.usda.gov.