All Risk Management Agency Field Offices
All Other Interested Parties
BACKGROUND:
On October 3 and October 9, 2024, the Risk Management Agency (RMA) issued MGR-24-006 and MGR-24-006.1, Emergency Procedures for Crops Damaged by Hurricane Helene and Continuing Impacts from Hurricane Debby, respectively, authorizing emergency procedures for all counties in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia impacted by Hurricanes Debby and/or Helene.
Since the issuance of MGR-24-006.1, RMA has received requests for additional emergency loss adjustment procedures and information regarding Pecan Tree loss adjustment.
ACTION:
RMA authorizes Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) to use the following additional emergency procedures for all counties in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina impacted by Hurricanes Debby and/or Helene to assist impacted policyholders and increase efficiency of AIP services and determinations.
For Pecan Trees: In addition to the emergency procedures in item (1) of MGR-24-006.1, RMA authorizes the following to further expedite the loss adjustment process and settlement of claims:
(1) In lieu of section 13(i)(1) of the Pecan Tree Crop Provisions (23-PCT), RMA authorizes AIPs to count trees which are dying, dead, or damaged to the extent reset (for stage I and II trees) or rehabilitation (all stages) is not practical or are toppled or leaning (for stage III trees), as destroyed prior to their removal.
(2) During the on-farm inspection, AIPs may finalize claims based on the policyholder’s signed certification that the destroyed pecan trees as determined in (1) above will be removed by May 15, 2025.
(3) This certification may be included in the narrative of the Production Worksheet or on a separate certification form. The policyholder must sign and date the certification statement stating:
(a) “I understand that if any destroyed pecan trees remain after May 15, 2025, that this will result in a corrected claim and will require repayment of any overpaid indemnity; and
(b) I understand that:
(i) I am responsible for maintaining photographic evidence, with the date and location identified, to verify removal of the destroyed pecan trees.
(ii) I must provide a total count of the number of destroyed trees removed and all photographic evidence of tree removal no later than May 15, 2025.
(iii) I understand that I am required to maintain documentation specified in (b)(ii) for three years from May 15, 2025.”
RMA will continue to monitor the situation and issue additional emergency procedures, if necessary.
DISPOSAL DATE:
December 31, 2024