RALEIGH, N.C., Sept. 16, 2015 — The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Maine producers that the final date to purchase crop insurance for their 2016 forage protection is September 30, 2015. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing policies also have until September 30 to do so. Forage production insurance is available in Aroostook and Penobscot counties.

Forage production insurance covers pure alfalfa and alfalfa grass mixtures. The price election for the 2016 crop year is $230 per ton.

Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2016 crop year, including insurance for forage production, which may be eligible for coverage under a written agreement. Crop insurance coverage decisions must be made on or before the sales closing date.

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can use the RMA Cost Estimator to get a premium amount estimate of their insurance needs online. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at the RMA website.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).