RMA is planning to research the feasibility and development of a Federal crop insurance program for hybrid canola seed production. An initial notice of intent for development of a hybrid canola seed program, PM-17-069, was issued on December 6, 2017. This second notice of intent is seeking further preparatory input on program development and includes recent guidance provided by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board of Directors to ensure product development occurs in a timely manner to meet the needs of producers.

RMA plans to issue a solicitation for a contract, or to utilize RMA personnel, to research and develop a crop insurance product for hybrid canola seed. Prior to initiating this study, RMA seeks input from interested parties regarding the following information:

• Level of interest in participating in a hybrid canola seed Federal crop insurance program;
• Any producer concerns about development of a Federal crop insurance program for hybrid canola seed;
• Availability of any existing private insurance products covering hybrid canola seed;
• Types of risks, perils, or issues facing hybrid canola seed producers;
• Potential availability of any state, county, contract, or producer level data relating to yield and price; and
• Any other information or relevant issues to be considered when carrying out research and determining the feasibility of a crop insurance program for hybrid canola seed

If any person or entity intends to develop a product allowed under section 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act covering the same crop identified in this notice, they must, not later than 15-days after the publication date of this notice, provide information that demonstrates significant investment and progress has been made in development of a similar or comparable crop insurance product. After acceptable information is provided demonstrating significant investment and progress has been made, they must submit their crop insurance concept proposal or 508(h) submission for the crop by October 5, 2018.

Please address any input regarding the intent to research and develop a Hybrid Canola Seed Federal Crop Insurance Program by July 25, 2018, to Kale Horton, Product Design Branch at (816) 823-2883; kale.horton@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 December 31, 2018.