All Risk Management Agency Field Office
All Other Interested Parties
Background
Section 522(c)(1) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (Act) allows the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to conduct activities or enter into contracts to carry out research and development for underserved agricultural commodities, including specialty crops. Section 522(c)(2)(B) of the Act 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 is planning to pursue the feasibility and research into the potential development of a policy for vegetable and flower seed crops.
Action
RMA plans to issue a solicitation for a contract for the research and development of a crop insurance product for vegetable and flower seed crops. Prior to the issuance of the contract, RMA is seeking any preparatory input from interested parties on the following information:
- Level of interest in participating in a vegetable and flower seed crop insurance program;
- Availability of any existing private insurance products covering these seed crops;
- Types of risk and perils facing vegetable and flower seed producers; and
- Potential availability of state, county, or producer level data relating to yield and price.
In addition to the above, RMA seeks any other information regarding relevant issues that should be considered when carrying out the research and development for a potential insurance program for vegetable and flower seed crops.
Please address correspondence concerning vegetable and flower seed research by January 15, 2016 to Zachary White, Product Design Branch at Zachary.White@rma.usda.gov or mail to:
USDA/RMA/APDD
Beacon Facility, Stop 0813
PO Box 419205
Kansas City, MO 64141-6205
DISPOSAL DATE:
This Informational Memorandum is for the purpose of transmitting information and expires on January 31, 2016.