RALEIGH, N.C., Nov. 1, 2021 — The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds beekeepers and pasture, rangeland, and forage producers that the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage under the Rainfall Index program for the 2022 crop year is December 1, 2021. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing policies also have until December 1 to do so.

The Rainfall Index is a group policy that covers apiculture as well as pasture, rangeland, and forage grown for grazing or harvested for hay. The Rainfall Index uses National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data. Insurance payments to a producer who suffers a loss are calculated on the deviation from normal precipitation with the area and time period selected.

A nationwide insurance coverage map is available on the RMA website at Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Support Tool. A mapping tool is also available for producers to locate which land is insurable and includes historical data and coverage details. Additional information can be found on the Actuarial Information Browser page on the RMA website.

RMA is authorizing additional flexibilities due to coronavirus while continuing to support producers, working through Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) to deliver services, including processing policies, claims and agreements. RMA staff are working with AIPs and other customers by phone, mail and electronically to continue supporting crop insurance coverage for producers. Farmers with crop insurance questions or needs should continue to contact their insurance agents about conducting business remotely (by telephone or email). More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online using the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

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