RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 17, 2016 – The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds beekeepers and pasture, rangeland and forage producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage under the Rainfall Index program for the 2017 crop year is November 15, 2016. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing policies also have until November 15 to do so.

The Rainfall Index is a group policy that covers apiculture as well as pasture, rangeland and forage grown for grazing or harvested for hay. The Rainfall Index uses National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data. Insurance payments to a producer who suffers a loss are calculated on the deviation from normal precipitation with the area and time period selected.

A nationwide insurance coverage map is available on the RMA website at Pasture, Rangeland and Forage. A mapping tool is also available for producers to locate which land is insurable, and has historical data and coverage details. Apiculture coverage is only available in Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Additional information can be found on the Actuarial Information Browser page on the RMA website.

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.