USDA adds flexibility in reporting organic acreage

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency recently announced a policy that will give producers more flexibility in reporting organic acreage.

Crop insurers may allow producers to report acreage as certified organic, or transitioning to organic, for the 2020 crop year if they can show they have requested a written certification from a certifying agent by their policy’s acreage reporting date.

USDA said the change reflects a necessity brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, as many state and local governments have issued stay-at-home orders and have shut down non-essential businesses, resulting in market disruptions and preventing in-person crop insurance transactions.

In addition, policyholders who have requested but not received an organic certificate, organic plan or other written documentation must notify their insurance agent within 30 days after the certifying agent informs them of their organic plan or certificate status.

The policyholder notification may be made by phone, email, text, or other electronic communication method, and the Approved Insurance Provider (AIP) must document the policyholder’s notification.

An AIP is a state-chartered property and casualty insurance company that has executed a Standard Reinsurance Agreement and/or Livestock Price Reinsurance Agreement with the Federal Crop Insurance Corp. As a party to the SRA, AIPs are authorized to sell and service federal crop insurance regulated by the USDA.

Policyholders will be required to either sign digitally at the time of submission or must follow up with properly signed forms no later than July 15.

“As the pandemic continues, RMA is also continuing to add more flexibilities to assist America’s farmers and ranchers,” RMA Administrator Martin Barbre said. “We will ensure that the federal crop insurance program continues to serve the needs of our nation’s producers.”

USDA said RMA staff are working with AIPs 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.