SPOKANE, Wash., Oct. 13, 2016 – USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Idaho, Oregon, and Washington fruit producers the final date to apply for crop insurance for the 2017 crop year is November 20. This date applies to crop insurance policies for apple, blueberry, cranberry, grape, pear, stone fruit crops (apricots, nectarines, freestone peaches, and plums/prunes), sweet and tart cherry (actual revenue history), and table grape. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the November 20 sales closing date to do so.

Crop insurance provides protection against crop production losses due to natural perils such as drought, hail, and excessive moisture. Fruit may be insurable in other counties by written agreement if specific criteria are met. 

Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2017 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. 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 www.rma.usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. 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)