USDA crop risk protection deadline approaching

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages producers to explore USDA crop risk protection options, including federal crop insurance and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for 2024, before the upcoming deadline. Federal crop insurance provides coverage for natural adversities such as drought and hail, while NAP offers protection against losses from natural disasters for crops not covered by federal insurance. This includes a variety of crops like fruits, vegetables, honey, and more.

Important NAP application deadline for 2024: Feb. 28, for a wide range of crops including artichokes, asparagus, various melons, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, hemp, millet, peanuts, pecans, sorghum, soybeans, squash, sunflowers, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and watermelons. NAP service fees are capped at $325 per crop or $825 per producer per county, with a maximum of $1, 950 for producers with interests in multiple counties. Fee waivers and premium reductions are available for qualifying farmers or ranchers by submitting form CCC-860.