News

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2)

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) Producers who have experienced market difficulties and increased expenses due to the Covid-19 pandemic may be eligible for the new USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2). This program is completely distinct from the previous assistance program, so even if you were signed up for CFAP 1, you […]

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PRF Insurance Comment Period OPEN FOR 2 MORE WEEKS ONLY

PRF Insurance Comment Period OPEN FOR 2 MORE WEEKS ONLY: Here is the link to a USDA news release about a public comment period on Pasture, Rangeland and Forage Insurance.  The comment period is open until November 5, 2020.  Comments can be submitted via email to rma.kcviri@usda.gov or by mail to Director, Product Administration and Standards Division, Risk Management […]

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Changes to Federal Crop Insurance due to COVID-19

Due to COVID-19, the USDA Risk Management Agency, authorized additional flexibility to producers who are using federal crop insurance. Changes include: allowing policyholders to submit electronic notifications for production reporting etc., an extension of production reporting dates, and allowing policyholders additional time to make premium payments. As always policyholders should communicate with their crop insurance […]

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Federal Risk Management Programs Expanded to Include Maine Grown Hemp

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the availability of two programs that protect hemp producers’ crops from yield loss resulting from adverse weather such as drought, excess moisture, hail, frost, freeze, etc.  Maine was one of twenty-one states included in a pilot hemp Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) program.  The MPCI program provides coverage against loss […]

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2020 Crop Insurance Deadline Approaches

March 15, 2020 is the deadline to enroll, cancel, or change policy coverage for crop insurance on spring-seeded crops in Maine such as corn, sweet corn, barley, oats, spring wheat, and potato.  Those producing other, “non-insurable” spring-seeded crops such as tomatoes, pumpkins, squash, etc. may seek coverage through the Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) available through the Farm […]

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Hemp Crop Insurance Pilot 

Qualified hemp growers in Maine will be eligible for a hemp crop insurance pilot program.  The Multi-Peril coverage is for hemp grown for fiber, grain or CBD oil for the 2020 crop year. Policy details are forthcoming.  The deadline to enroll for 2020 coverage is March 15, 2020. To learn more, contact a private licensed crop […]

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Apiculture Crop Insurance Deadline Approaching

A lack of precipitation can be problematic for beekeepers because it may limit bees’ forage intake and reduce honey production. To reduce loss from this risk, beekeepers may utilize the Apiculture (API) crop insurance program which protects against a single peril- lack of precipitation.  Producers must enroll with a licensed crop insurance agent before the […]

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Pasture, Rangeland and Forage Rainfall Index Crop Insurance Deadline Approaching

November 15, 2019 is the sales closing date Pasture, Rangeland and Forage (PRF) crop insurance protects grazing or haying acres against a single peril- lack of precipitation.  Producers must enroll with a licensed crop insurance agent before the November 15th  deadline for 2020 coverage. PRF protects against lower-than-normal precipitation Unlike other types of crop insurance, […]

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2020 Apple Crop Insurance Deadline Approaching

November 20, 2019 is the sales closing date for the 2020 crop year The deadline to enroll, cancel, or modify an existing apple crop insurance policy is November 20, 2019 for the 2020 crop year.  Apple crop insurance protects a producer’s average crop yields from weather-related issues causing yield loss such as hail, frost/freeze, drought, […]

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2020 Wild Blueberry Crop Insurance Deadline Approaching

November 20, 2019 is the sales closing date for blueberry crop insurance The deadline to enroll, cancel, or modify an existing blueberry crop insurance policy is November 20, 2019 for the 2020 crop year.  Blueberry crop insurance protects a producer’s average crop yields from weather-related issues causing yield loss such as excessive moisture resulting in […]

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