Crop insurance program for forage seed pilot expanded

The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds producers of the expanded coverage availability for the Forage (Alfalfa) Seed Pilot Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) program to all qualifying producers in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

Alfalfa seed coverage is generally available in Canyon and Owyhee counties, in Idaho, in Malheur County in Oregon, and Grant and Walla Walla counties in Washington. For the 2014 crop year, producers outside the county pilot area may request protection for their alfalfa seed crop. The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board approved the conversion of the pilot to a permanent regulatory program, and extended coverage was made available through the written agreement process.

Producers are encouraged to visit with their crop insurance agent by the September 30 sales closing date to review and sign up if coverage is available in their county (listed above), or learn if they would be eligible for coverage under a written agreement, if coverage is not generally available in their county or if they want coverage on acreage used for producing hybrid alfalfa seed. Federal crop insurance program policies are sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance companies and agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers throughout the United States or on the RMA website at www3.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents.

Additional information may be obtained from Jo Lynne Seufer, Risk Management Specialist, Spokane Regional Office, at 509-228-6320 or toll-free in AK, ID, OR or WA at 800-205-9953, or by e-mail at jo.lynne.seufer@rma.usda.gov.