RALEIGH, N.C., Jan. 14, 2016 - USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Virginia potato growers the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage is January 31. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the January 31 sales closing date to do so.

Crop insurance provides protection against a loss in potato production due to natural perils, such as drought or excessive moisture. Coverage is available for potatoes in Accomack and Northampton counties. The price election is the season average price RMA expects growers to receive for their crop in the upcoming insurance year. The price election is used to establish the overall liability of the policy. It also affects the premium paid, and is used to evaluate any indemnities. The 2016 price election for potatoes in Virginia is $14.55 per hundredweight.

Potato growers’ coverage amounts are determined from their actual yields and the protection level they choose. Potato growers are encouraged to consider making crop insurance an essential part of their overall risk management plan to help protect their operations from financial loss.

Potato growers 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. Potato growers 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.