SPRINGFIELD, Ill. Oct. 27, 2016 — USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds fruit producers in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio the final date to apply for crop insurance for 2017 is November 20. This date applies to crop insurance policies for apples, blueberries, grapes, peaches, and sweet and tart cherries (actual revenue history). 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. Producers can insure their fruit by written agreement in counties without a fruit program as long as 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 the RMA website.

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).