WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2023 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is modifying the deadline for oyster producers to purchase the new shellfish pilot crop insurance program until Dec. 15, 2023.

“Aquaculture producers have traditionally not participated in crop insurance programs in the past,” USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) Administrator Marcia Bunger said. “Modifying the deadline to purchase this new coverage allows crop insurance agents more time to reach these valuable stakeholders.” 

RMA announced the new program on Sept. 29, 2023.  The first sales closing date was initially set at Nov. 30, 2023, but will now be Dec. 15, 2023, with the insurance period beginning Jan. 1, 2024. The sales closing date for subsequent crop years will be Nov. 30.

This program is a new plan of insurance, which requires additional effort to train agents and update insurance companies’ forms and software systems. Additionally, this program is targeted to stakeholders who have not had prior opportunities to participate in the federal crop insurance program, who may not already have a crop insurance agent.

Producers who are interested in insuring their oysters for 2024 should speak to a crop insurance agent to get additional details. 

More Information 

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at rma.usda.gov or by contacting their RMA Regional Office.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

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