Crop Insurance Deadline Nears in North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C., July 31, 2020 — The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds North Carolina canola producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2021 crop year is August 31, 2020. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing policies also have until August 31 to do so. 

Crop insurance provides protection against crop production losses due to natural perils such as drought, hail, and excessive moisture. Canola insurance is available in Beaufort, Camden, Iredell, Northampton, Robeson, Washington, and Wayne counties.

Prices for the 2021 canola are determined by the Commodity Exchange Price Provisions. Producers can use the RMA Price Discovery tool to get canola’s projected price and harvest price. 

Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2021 crop year. Canola may be eligible for coverage under a written agreement in other counties. Crop insurance coverage decisions must be made on or before the sales closing date.

USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is authorizing additional flexibilities due to coronavirus while continuing to support producers, working through Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) to deliver services, including processing policies, claims and agreements. RMA staff are working with AIPs and other customers by phone, mail and electronically to continue supporting crop insurance coverage for producers. Farmers with crop insurance questions or needs should continue to contact their insurance agents about conducting business remotely (by telephone or email). More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using 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 www.rma.usda.gov.