Sep 6, 2024

USDA expands 2025 grapevine crop insurance coverage

The USDA is set to enhance its grapevine crop insurance program for the 2025 crop year.

The Risk Management Agency (RMA) will now cover grapevines grafted between six and 12 months old, reducing the grafting period from 12 months to six months. Coverage will also be expanded to 29 additional counties in California.

RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger highlighted the changes as a response to industry feedback, aiming to address gaps in coverage for grafted vines. The program, which was introduced in 2024, will now include all California counties with existing grapevine insurance. It is also available in select counties in Idaho, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington.

The insurance covers losses due to freeze, fire, hail, flood, and irrigation failure caused by unavoidable, natural events. In the 2024 crop year, producers insured $129 million in liabilities on 12 million grapevines.

The sales closing date for the 2025 crop year is November 1, 2024. More information is available through USDA Service Centers or online at the RMA Agent Locator