USDA Extends COVID-19 Flexibilities

USDA’s Risk Management Agency is extending crop insurance flexibilities for producers during COVID-19. Specifically, the relief provided for electronic notifications and signatures that are extended through July 15, 2021. Organic certification, replant certification, and assignment of indemnity is extended through June 30, 2021. “We recognize that American agriculture continues to face challenges due to COVID-19,” says RMA Administrator Martin Barbre. “RMA remains committed to providing the 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 further flexibilities for production reporting, submitting written agreement requests, and obtaining producer signatures for written agreement offers. Producers’ 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 get 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 August 2, 2021. For more information, go to the Risk Management Agency’s website or contact your crop insurance agent.