RALEIGH, N.C., March 2, 2016 - USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Massachusetts producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage on most insurable spring-planted crops is March 15. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing policies also have until the March 15 sales closing date to do so.

Crop insurance provides protection against crop production losses due to natural perils, such as drought or excessive moisture. Coverage is available for corn, fresh market sweet corn, potatoes, and tobacco in Massachusetts. Coverage is also available for revenue losses caused by a change in the harvest price from the projected price for corn.

Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2016 crop year. 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).