INSURANCE DEADLINES NEAR FOR DOZENS OF CROPS

Contact: Eric Edgington (202) 690-2539
Eric.Edgington@rma.usda.gov

WASHINGTON, Nov 12, 1999 - Risk Management Agency (RMA) Administrator Ken Ackerman announced that farmers growing a wide range of crops - from oats to carambola - need to sign up for insurance by December 1, 1999, to take advantage of an estimated 25 percent premium discount on 2000 crop production.

"We have identified dozens of insurance plans with sales closing dates between June 30, 1999, and December 1, 1999, that are eligible for the discount," said Ackerman. "December 1 is right around the corner so producers need to act quickly to benefit from this opportunity. Because sales closing dates vary by growing area and crop, producers should contact a crop insurance agent immediately to discuss sign up dates and their coverage options."

Funding for the discount was provided by the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Currently insured producers may increase their coverage before December 1. Like last year's premium discount, the amount of the discount will depend on crop prices and how many farmers choose to insure or increase their protection.

Current law limits the premium discount to crops grown for harvest during the 2000 crop year. Certain tree crops that have an insurance sales closing date of December 1, 1999, are not eligible for the discount because they are crop year 2001 crops. USDA has recommended that Congress make these crops eligible for the discount.

Producers should contact a crop insurance agent to discuss their options. A listing of agents is available at local Farm Service Agency offices or at the RMA website at www.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents.

Attachments --
• Example of the 2000 estimated discount
• List (PDF format) of insurance plans needing a rapid response