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Policy & Procedure

Product Management Bulletin-PM-15-023 Notice of Intent to Research the Feasibility and Development of Improvements to the Sugar Beet Insurance Program

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Date
To
All Approved Insurance Providers
All Risk Management Agency Field Offices
All Other Interested Parties
From
Tim B. Witt, Deputy Administrator /s/Tim B. Witt
Subject
Notice of Intent to Research the Feasibility and Development of Improvements to the Sugar Beet Insurance Program

Background

The Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)(4)) allows the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to enter into contracts to carry out research and development.

The Act (7 U.S.C. 1522(c)(2)(B)) also requires that RMA consult with groups representing producers of agricultural commodities that would be served by the policies that are the subject of research and development efforts. RMA has had meetings and discussions with representatives of the sugar beet industry and sugar beet producers, and is seeking additional input from anyone who may be interested in providing information related to improvements to the sugar beet crop insurance program. RMA is planning to pursue research into the feasibility of changing the unit of measure for insurance purposes from standardized tons of sugar beets to pounds of refined sugar, insuring sugar beets stored in clamps, and the insurability of sugar beets used for energy or feed.

Action

RMA plans to solicit a contract to research the feasibility and development of enhancements to the sugar beet crop insurance policy.

RMA is interested in input from producers, the sugar beet industry, or other interested parties about any relevant issues that should be considered when carrying out the feasibility and research for potential program development. Any information pertaining to market impacts, the type of insurance most suitable for the crop, or impact on crop production would be beneficial. We are also interested in information regarding whether there are private sector insurance products available that cover other aspects of sugar beet production that are not currently insured under the Federal Crop Insurance Program.

Please address correspondence related to the planned research and feasibility for potential program improvements by June 12, 2015 to Alford Bell, Risk Management Services Division at Alford.Bell@rma.usda.gov or by mail to:

USDA/RMA/RMSD
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Stop 0801
Washington, DC 20250-0801

DISPOSAL DATE:
December 31, 2015