Dec 30, 2020

Continuing COVID-19 pandemic sees USDA extending insurance flexibilities

USDA’s Risk Management Agency is extending crop insurance flexibilities for producers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, relief provided for electronic notifications and signatures is extended through July 15, 2021; organic certification, replant self-certification and assignment of indemnity are extended through June 30, 2021.

“We recognize that American agriculture continues to face challenges due to the pandemic,” Risk Management Agency (RMA)Administrator Martin Barbre said in a news release. “RMA remains committed to providing flexibility that supports the health and safety of all parties while also ensuring that the federal crop insurance program continues to serve as a vital risk management tool.”

RMA is also allowing Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) further flexibilities for production reporting, submitting written agreement requests and obtaining producer signatures for written agreement offers. Producer signatures for written agreement offers, issued by RMA on or before June 30, 2021, with an expiration date on or before July 30, 2021, will allow producer signatures to be accepted after the expiration date with proper self-certification or documentation. However, all documentation and signatures for these offers must be completed no later than Aug. 2, 2021. AIPs also have 30 business days to submit written agreement requests and applicable documentation for requests with submission deadlines prior to July 1, 2021

For more information about these and other flexibilities, refer to Manager’s Bulletin MGR 20-030, RMA’s Frequently Asked Questions, or contact your crop insurance agent.

More Information

RMA announced many other flexibilities that started on March 27, 2020. See all RMA Managers Bulletins for more detailed information. RMA staff are working with Approved Insurance Providers and other customers by phone, mail, and electronically to continue supporting crop insurance coverage for producers. Farmers with crop insurance questions or needs should continue to contact their insurance agents about conducting business remotely (by telephone or email). For the most current updates on available services, visit farmers.gov/coronavirus.