RALEIGH, N.C., Feb. 4, 2016 - USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Maryland green pea producers the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage is February 15. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing policies also have until the February 15 sales closing date to do so.

Crop insurance provides protection against a loss in green pea production due to natural perils, such as drought or excessive moisture. Coverage is available for green peas in Baltimore, Caroline, Carroll, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties. Green peas may be insurable in other counties if specific criteria are met.

Green pea 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. Green pea 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.