VALDOSTA, Ga., Jan. 15, 2016 - USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds South Carolina fresh market tomato growers the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage is January 31. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the January 31 sales closing date to do so.

Crop insurance provides protection against a loss in production due to natural perils, such as drought or excessive moisture. Coverage is available for fresh market tomatoes in Beaufort, Charleston, and Clarendon counties.

Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2016 crop year. 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.