Crop Insurance Deadline Nears for Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin

SAINT PAUL, Minn., Oct. 7, 2022 — USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance for perennial crops, such as apples, cranberries, grapes, and tart cherries, is November 20 for the 2023 crop year. Growers who are interested in the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection or Micro Farm policies and are late fiscal year filers have until November 20 to apply for crop insurance. Current policyholders also have until the November 20 sales closing date to make changes to their existing coverage.

For those growers transitioning to certified organic or who are already certified organic, premium assistance is available for the 2023 crop year through the Transitional and Organic Growers Assistance Program, which may reduce the overall insurance premium of eligible insureds. There is no enrollment paperwork, but you must have a policy in place. Accordingly, growers new to crop insurance for their organic crops should speak to an insurance agent soon to be sure they can finalize paperwork prior to any applicable sales closing date deadlines.

Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Growers may select from several coverage options, including yield coverage, revenue protection, and area risk plans of insurance. Additional information can be found on the Actuarial Information Browser page on the RMA website.

Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2023 crop year.

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. On farmers.gov, you can find more information on USDA’s response and relief for producers and use other tools and resources.

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. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at rma.usda.gov.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

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