The Risk Management Agency (RMA) has made the following revisions to the Apiculture (API) and Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) Crop Provisions. In addition, we have updated the Rainfall and Vegetation Index Basic Provisions, to incorporate changes resulting from the 2018 Farm Bill.

Apiculture Changes:

• Point of Reference will be required to be reported on acreage report. 

PRF Changes:

• Added native sod requirement.
• Added language to clarify that livestock records are required to be maintained for three years after the crop year for the intended use of grazing.
• Point of Reference will be required to be reported on acreage report.
• Added language that contiguous acreage crossing state lines must be insured in the state where majority of the insured acres are located, or separated and insured in their respective state.
• Added the option to report by Resource Land Unit instead of common land unit.
• Other minor editorial edits

Related Handbook Changes:

• Added language to allow for reinsured companies to use own mapping software.
• Renamed “Modifying Acreage Reports” to “Acreage Reports”.
• Added in section for acceptable reporting evidence.
  • Added a specific section for what type of records could be used for API program.
  • Added a lease certification form that could be used on all Rainfall products.
• Revised Exhibit 8 to include language regarding whether 578’s can be used to verify shares for PRF.
• Added Exhibit 9 “Colony Reporting and Leases” to clarify that the insured must own or lease the acres where the colonies are placed and must be able to provide a lease or the lease certification form if requested.
• Other minor editorial edits.

In addition, to the changes to the API and PRF program, the Rainfall and Vegetation Index Common Policy has been updated with changes from the 2018 Farm Bill and other minor editorial changes.

The following materials will be available, by close of business today, on the RMA website
at www.rma.usda.gov/Policy-and-Procedure/Insurance-Plans/Rainfall-Index.

• Rainfall and Vegetation Index Plan Common Policy (20-RIVI)
• Pasture, Rangeland, Forage Crop Provisions (20-RI-PRF)
• Apiculture Crop Provisions (20-RI-API)
• Rainfall and Vegetation Index Insurance Standards Handbook 

Questions regarding these modifications may be directed to rma.kcviri@usda.gov.

DISPOSAL DATE:
December 31, 2019