RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 20, 2016 – The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds North Carolina apple, blueberry, grape and peach growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2017 crop year is November 20, 2016. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing policies also have until November 20 to do so.

Crop insurance provides protection against crop production losses due to natural perils such as drought, hail, and excessive moisture. Coverage for apples, blueberries, grapes, and peaches is available in select counties. Additional information can be found on the Actuarial Information Browser page on the RMA website. Price elections for the 2017 crop year are $12.55 per bushel for fresh apples, $4.65 per bushel for processing apples, $49.90 per bushel for Varietal Group A apples, $15.25 for Varietal Group B apples, and $11.15 for Varietal Group C apples. The blueberry price election is $1.25 per pound. Grape prices for non-vinifera varieties vary from $215 to $870 per ton. The price for muscadine grapes is $525.00 per ton. Vinifera grape varieties may be insurable by written agreement if certain criteria are met. Peach price elections are $22.00 per bushel for fresh peaches and $8.25 for processing peaches.

Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2017 crop year, including insurance for apples, blueberries, grapes and peaches, which may be eligible for coverage under a written agreement. 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.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).