Risk Management Agency Program Announcement

RMA APPROVES E-COMMERCE PLANS

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

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26, 2000 - Ken Ackerman, Administrator of the Risk Management Agency (RMA), announces RMA approval of E-Commerce Implementation Plans by Producers Lloyds Insurance Company and Rural Community Insurance Company (RCIC). This innovative technology will enable the two companies to market and service Federal crop insurance programs over the Internet.

The Freedom to E-File Act, signed by President Clinton on June 20, 2000, requires RMA to submit a plan to Congress by Dec. 1, 2000, which allows agricultural producers to obtain all forms and other information concerning the crop insurance program over the Internet from approved insurance providers. In support of the E-File Act, RMA met with insurance providers in August 2000 to discuss compliance with the E-File Act. Full implementation is set for Dec. 1, 2001.

"One of our main program goals has been making crop insurance program information readily available to all our producers," said Ackerman. "Besides increased access to program information, producers will now have the ability to electronically complete, sign, and submit forms required by their crop insurance policies."

Site address for Producer Lloyds Insurance Company, which services Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico: http://www.producerslloyds.com

Site address for RCIC, which operates nationwide, is with its managing general agent, Rural Community Insurance Services: http://www.rcis.com