News Release Crop Insurance Deadline Nears in Massachusetts and Virginia for Clam Producers

RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 30, 2023 — The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Massachusetts and Virginia clam producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2024 crop year is November 30. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing policies also have until November 30 to do so.

Crop insurance provides coverage for death of clams due to protected causes of loss such as oxygen depletion, disease, freeze, hurricane, decrease of salinity, tidal wave, storm surge, and ice floe. Coverage for clams is available in select counties. 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 2024 crop year. Additional counties may be eligible for coverage under a written agreement. Crop insurance coverage decisions must be made on or before the sales closing date.

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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