The U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled several revisions that will streamline the process for producers of specialty crops and other growers to secure insurance, report production and file claims.
In a June 30 USDA news release, the Risk Management Agency noted the revisions will simplify the process for these farmers to secure crop insurance.
“Farming and ranching are inherently complex and often challenging occupations, so anything and everything we can do to streamline processes and requirements are essential,” RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger said in the release.
Bunger also noted crop insurance is vital to a farmer’s operation and, by optimizing the reporting requirements for direct marketers or vertically integrated programs, it can streamline the insurance process. The release noted this can make it more accessible for a great number of farmers, including those who grow niche crops that are an integral part of any local food scene.
According to the release, the revisions are the result of reporting and rules published by the Federal Crop Insurance Corp.
The rule updates general crop provisions, risk protection provisions and also details changes to individual crop provisions, the release reported. Changes include a new marketing certification enabling growers to self-identify and a change allowing growers to use their own records, reducing the need for Approved Insurance Providers.
