RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 30, 2016 – The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds potato growers in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Virginia that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2017 crop year is January 31, 2017. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing policies also have until January 31 to do so.

Crop insurance provides protection against crop production losses due to natural perils such as drought, hail, and excessive moisture. Coverage for potatoes is available in select counties. Additional information can be found on the Actuarial Information Browser page on the RMA website. The price election for the 2017 crop year per hundredweight is $13.70 in Delaware and Kent and Queen Ann’s counties, Maryland, $15.30 in Worchester County, Maryland, $11.65 in New Jersey, $12.30 in North Carolina, and $15.30 Virginia.

Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2017 crop year, including insurance for potatoes, 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.