The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) has announced that a premium subsidy has been established to offer more affordable protection to eligible diversified farm operations, as part of the new Whole-Farm Revenue Protection insurance policy.

Whole-Farm Revenue Protection, required by the 2014 Farm Bill, will be offered through the RMA managed federal crop insurance program. The new policy will offer fruit and vegetable growers and producers with diversified farms selling commodities to wholesale markets, local and regional markets, farm identity preserved markets, or direct markets, more flexible, affordable risk management coverage options.

To learn more about USDA whole farm revenue protection insurance, review the fact sheet at, http://www.rma.usda.gov/news/currentissues/farmbill/ or contact a local crop insurance agent.

 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing key dates for farm owners and producers to keep in mind regarding the new 2014 Farm Bill established programs, Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). The new programs, designed to help producers better manage risk, usher in one of the most significant reforms to U.S. farm programs in decades.

Dates associated with ARC and PLC that farm owners and producers need to know:

• Sept. 29, 2014 to Feb. 27, 2015: Land owners may visit their local Farm Service Agency office to update yield history and/or reallocate base acres.
• Nov. 17, 2014 to March 31, 2015: Producers make a one-time election of either ARC or PLC for the 2014 through 2018 crop years.
• Mid-April 2015 through summer 2015: Producers sign contracts for 2014 and 2015 crop years.
• October 2015: Payments for 2014 crop year, if needed.

To learn more about USDA disaster relief program, review details for the ARC/PLC programs at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=arpl&topic=landing or contact a local FSA office.