JACKSON, Miss., Feb. 16, 2021 — The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Tennessee producers that the final date to apply for insurance coverage on rice is February 28 for the 2021 crop year. The final date to apply for Whole-Farm Revenue Protection, corn, cotton, fresh market tomatoes, grain sorghum, hemp, soybeans, and tobacco is March 15 for the 2021 crop year. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing policies also have until the sales closing date to do so.

Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Information on available coverage in select counties can be found on the RMA Actuarial Information Browser.

RMA is authorizing additional flexibilities due to coronavirus while continuing to support producers, working through Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) to deliver services, including processing policies, claims and agreements. RMA staff are working with AIPs and other customers by phone, mail and electronically to continue supporting crop insurance coverage for producers. Farmers with crop insurance questions or needs should continue to contact their insurance agents about conducting business remotely (by telephone or email). More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online at the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov.