HARRISBURG, Pa., June 20 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture issued the following news release:

Pennsylvania farmers are reminded to report crop damage to their crop insurance agent and local Farm Service Agency office within 72 hours of discovery.

"Farmers are already seeing widespread crop damage from armyworms and late blight," said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. "Help ensure you get the most out of your crop insurance policy by reporting damage to your crop insurance agent immediately."

To file a claim:

* Contact your crop insurance agent within 72 hours of discovery of damage. Follow up in writing.

* Do not destroy evidence that is needed to support your claim without clear direction, in writing, from the insurance adjuster.

Whenever there is damage due to insects and/or disease it is critical to show:

* That it was uncontrollable;

* That preventative measures were taken; and

* The measures and timing of the action taken since crop damage was found.

Last year insured Pennsylvania producers recovered $62.6 million from losses.

Greig reminded farmers to follow good farming practices to help support crop insurance claims filed due to insect and disease damage. For information, contact your local cooperative extension office at http://extension.psu.edu/counties.

For more information or to learn if your operation is eligible for crop insurance policies, call 717-705-9511 or visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and search "crop insurance."

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