RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 9, 2017 – The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Massachusetts apple, cranberry, and peach growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2018 crop year is November 20. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing policies also have until November 20 to do so. RMA also announces grape crop insurance has been expanded into Bristol County, Massachusetts. These growers also have until November 20 to apply for grape crop insurance coverage.

Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps producers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Coverage for apples, cranberries, and peaches is available in select counties. Additional information can be found on the Actuarial Information Browser page on the RMA website. Price elections for the 2018 crop year are $11.50 per bushel for fresh apples, $3.95 per bushel for processing apples, $51.50 per bushel for Varietal Group A apples, $15.60 for Varietal Group B apples, and $11.40 for Varietal Group C apples. The cranberry price election is $28.10 per barrel. Grape
price elections for non-vinifera varieties vary from $215 to $870 per ton. Vinifera grape price elections vary from $840 to $1,825 per ton. Peach price elections are $51.25 per bushel for fresh peaches and $8.50 for processing peaches.

Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2018 crop year, including insurance for apples, cranberries, and peaches, 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.

For more information about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net, visit www.rma.usda.gov.

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