RALEIGH, N.C., February 17, 2017 – The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Rhode Island growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage on most spring-planted crops for the 2017 crop year is March 15, 2017. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing policies also have until March 15 to do so.

Crop insurance provides protection against crop production losses due to natural perils such as drought, hail, and excessive moisture. Coverage for corn, fresh market sweet corn, and potatoes is available in select counties. Additional information can be found on the Actuarial Information Browser page on the RMA website. Coverage is also available for revenue losses caused by a change in the harvest price from the projected price for corn.

Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2017 crop year, including insurance for corn, fresh market sweet corn, and potatoes, 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).