Insurance deadline for orchardists

The deadline is approaching for fruit producers to apply for crop insurance for the 2017 crop year. The Risk Management Agency of the USDA has set the deadline for Nov. 20. The deadline applies to crop insurance policies for apple, blueberry, cranberry, grape, pear, apricots, nectarines, freestone peaches, plums/prunes, sweet and tart cherry and table grape.

The deadline also applies to current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage.

Crop insurance provides protection against natural disasters such as drought, hail or excessive moisture.

Producers can visit a crop insurance agent or go online to learn more. Online tools on the USDA website include a Risk Management Agency agent locator and cost estimator for an insurance premium.

http://www.rma.usda.gov.