Risk Management Agency Program Announcement

MORE CROPS NOW ELIGIBLE FOR CROP INSURANCE PROTECTION

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

WASHINGTON, Dec 1, 1999 - Risk Management Agency (RMA) Administrator Ken Ackerman announced enactment of legislation that authorized the extension and expansion of several pilot crop insurance programs. Further, the legislation extends premium discounts to citrus fruit, California avocados, and Hawaiian macadamia nuts.

"We worked hard with Congress to ensure these additional programs, affecting thousands of farmers, were not overlooked," said Ackerman. "Because the legislation authorizing these changes was just enacted, we will provide eligible producers additional time to consider their options."

As a result of this legislation, the following authorities have been extended and programs expanded:

Extended Revenue Insurance Programs: Ventura County, California Avocados, Pecans, and crops covered under the Income Protection (IP) and Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) coverage plans.

Expanded Crop Programs: Cherries; blueberries; Florida fruit trees and avocados in California. Expanded programs are offered in the following counties: Cherries*

Michigan -- Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties
Oregon -- Marian, Polk, Umatilla, and Yamhill Counties
Utah -- Utah County
Washington -- Grant, Klickitat, Okanogon, and Walla Walla Counties

*Stanislaus County, California, now has a cherry insurance program but the sales closing date remains Jan. 31, 2000. Blueberries

Alabama -- Baldwin County
Florida -- Alachua and Highlands Counties
Georgia -- Appling, Bacon, and Ware Counties
Maine -- Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Waldo Counties
South Carolina -- Horry County
California Dollar Citrus

Fresno, Kern, Madera, and Tulare Counties California Avocados

Orange, Riverside, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara Counties Florida Citrus Fruit Tree

Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hernando, Hendry, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, and Volusia Counties

Crop insurance companies will continue to take applications for these crop programs until Jan.14, 2000. Producers should contact a crop insurance agent immediately to discuss applicable sales closing dates and their coverage 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.