RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 1, 2016 – The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Massachusetts clam producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2017 crop year is November 30, 2016. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing policies also have until November 30 to do so.

Crop insurance provides coverage for death of clams due to protected causes of loss such as oxygen depletion, disease, freeze, hurricane, decrease of salinity, tidal wave, storm surge, and ice floe. Coverage for clams is available in select counties. Additional information can be found on the Actuarial Information Browser page on the RMA website. The amount of coverage is based upon an inventory value of your clam beds with a price election of $0.18 per clam.

Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2017 crop year. Crop insurance coverage decisions must be made on or before the sales closing date.

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 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 the RMA website.