VALDOSTA, Ga., March 2, 2017 - USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) reminds Alabama fresh market tomato and popcorn growers the final date to apply for crop insurance coverage for the 2017 crop year is March 15. Current policyholders who wish to make changes to their existing coverage also have until the March 15 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 St. Clair County and popcorn in Madison County.

Growers are encouraged to visit their crop insurance agent soon to learn specific details for the 2017 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 the RMA website.