Challenges of the pandemic made it financially difficult for many producers to maintain cover crop systems. On behalf of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, RMA is creating the Pandemic Cover Crop Program (PCCP) to help agricultural producers impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. This program is part of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers initiative funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which provides financial support for agricultural producers impacted by the pandemic.

PCCP provides premium support to eligible producers who insured their spring crop and planted a qualifying cover crop during the 2021 crop year. The premium support is $5 per acre but no more than the total premium owed.

To receive premium support, producers do not need to sign-up. Instead, they must report qualifying cover crop acres to the Farm Service Agency using the Report of Acreage form (FSA-578) by June 15, 2021, which is distinct from the normal acreage reporting date. The cover crop fields reported on the Report of Acreage form  must match what the producer reported to their insurance company for Federal crop insurance policies to receive the benefit. For complete program rules, please see Notice of Funding Availability 2021-11603 and Frequently Asked Questions.

Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) must adjust participant billing statements to reflect the reduction in premium owed by the amount calculated by RMA. Each AIP will receive the amount of premium reduction due to this program from RMA.

DISPOSAL DATE:
December 31, 2021