In light of the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the crop insurance flexibilities will extend at least until the end of June, according to a Jan. 27 USDA news release.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the USDA Risk Management Agency has relaxed several rules for approved insurance and agricultural providers. This ensures they won't be further hampered by the difficulties the pandemic brought to the agricultural industry and society at large. The insurance flexibilities given to crop insurance were originally set to expire at the end of January.
“Our priority is to keep our producers and partners as safe as possible, while at the same time continuing to provide the best service we can,” said Marcia Bunger, Risk Management Agency administrator. “These unique times call for everyone to be cautious and as flexible as possible, and these added flexibilities will help us achieve those goals.”
Flexibilities include allowing electronic notices and allowing producers who can't sign written agreements due to the coronavirus time to do so after the expiration date.
In addition to the flexibilities, the USDA has implemented other measures to mitigate the effects COVID-19 has had on the industry. One such measure was the RMA providing $59.5 in premium to producers through the Pandemic Cover Crop Program.
To learn more about crop insurance and the farm safety net, visit rma.usda.gov.
