Cooperative Extension: Agriculture

Crop Insurance and Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)

Federal crop insurance has become the preeminent risk management tool for our nation’s agricultural producers, and has adapted to meet the diverse needs now more than ever.

The USDA-RMA offers a federally subsidized crop insurance program through private insurance companies. Crop insurance provides coverage against production losses due to drought, hail, frost, hurricanes, excessive moisture, fire, insects, plant disease and wildlife damage. It provides protection for up to 75% (85% for some crops) of your actual yield history, plus improvements such as extra benefits for new and beginning farmers, organic producers, and Whole Farm Revenue Protection. For most crops that are not eligible for crop insurance, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers a risk management option through the NAP program (PDF). NAP protects up to 65% of the farmers’ actual yield history. The combination of crop insurance and NAP can provide protection for almost any crop grown in Maine. The amount of coverage will be determined from actual yields and the protection level selected. Indemnity payments are made when actual production falls below the covered or guaranteed protection level.

Producers are encouraged to visit the RMA website (USDA) and contact their local crop insurance agent or Maine State Farm Service Agency office.

For general information about crop insurance in Maine, visit the links below.