RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 20, 2023 — The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Connecticut apple, grape, and peach growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2024 crop year is November 20. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing policies also have until November 20 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. Coverage for apples, grapes, and peaches is available in select counties. Additional information can be found on the Actuarial Information Browser page on the RMA website.

Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2024 crop year, including insurance for apples, grapes, and peaches. Additional crops or counties may be eligible for coverage under a written agreement. Crop insurance coverage decisions must be made on or before the sales closing date.

Beginning with the 2024 reinsurance year the state of Connecticut has transitioned from eight counties to nine planning regions. All associated insurance offers and requirements have moved to the new nine planning regions of Capitol, Greater Bridgeport, Lower Connecticut River Valley, Naugatuck Valley, Northeastern Connecticut, Northwest Hills, South Central Connecticut, Southeastern Connecticut, and Western Connecticut. As a result of this change insureds should work with their crop insurance agent to ensure that their policy is updated and appropriate for the 2024 reinsurance year. Additional information can be found on the RMA, Raleigh RO public website in Informational Memorandum ‘Change to County-Equivalents in the State of Connecticut’ dated June 23, 2023.

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. On farmers.gov, you can find more information on USDA’s response and relief for producers and use other tools and resources.

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. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at rma.usda.gov.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit usda.gov.

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