RALEIGH, N.C., April 11, 2018 — USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Maine nursery growers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2019 crop year is May 1. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the May 1 sales closing date to do so. Growers applying for the first time may purchase coverage at any time.

Federal crop insurance is critical to the farm safety net. It helps growers and owners manage revenue risks and strengthens the rural economy. Coverage begins 30 days after receipt of a signed application, Plant Inventory Value Report for each insured practice, and two copies of the grower’s most recent wholesale catalog or price list. More information on nursery crop insurance is available at RMA's Nursery Policy web page.

Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent to learn specific details for the 2019 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. Growers 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.