SPOKANE, Wash., July 31, 2017 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds producers in Idaho, Oregon and Washington states to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2018 crop year before the sales closing dates. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the sales closing dates to do so.

Crop insurance is a key component of the farm safety net, as it provides protection against crop production losses due to natural perils such as drought, hail, and excessive moisture.

Sales closing dates vary by crop. They are:

• Canola/Rapeseed – August 31 (for fall planted types)
• Onions – August 31 (fall planted types - Umatilla/Walla Walla counties only)
• Mint with Winter Coverage – September 30
• Forage Production – September 30 (select counties, Idaho, Oregon and Washington)
• Forage (Alfalfa) Seed – September 30
• Fall Planted Barley with Winter Coverage – September 3 (in select counties)
• Fall Planted Dry Peas/Lentils with Winter Coverage – September 30 (in select counties)
• Triticale – September 30
• Wheat – September 30 

Producers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for 2018 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.

Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at www.rma.usda.gov.