Greater protection available through FSA program

Greater protection is available through FSA’s Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) for crops for which Federal Crop Insurance is not available. Options created by the 2014 Farm Bill, provide greater coverage for losses when natural disasters affect eligible crops.
Previously NAP offered coverage at 55 percent of the average market price for crop losses that exceed 50 percent of expected production. Producers can now choose higher levels of coverage, up to 65 percent of their expected production at 100 percent of the average market price.
To help producers determine whether their crops are eligible for NAP coverage, a Web tool is available at www.fsa.usda.gov/nap. It also gives them an opportunity to explore a variety of options and levels to determine the best production level for their operation.
The cost for the higher coverage protection will be the lesser of 5.25 percent of the producer’s guarantee or $6,563 plus the applicable NAP administrative fee(s). The NAP administrative fee per policy is $250 per crop per producer with a $750 cap per county. NAP coverage begins 30 days after the application is filed and the non-refundable administrative fee has been paid.
Producers that are considered limited resource, a beginning farmer, and/or traditionally underserved, as determined by FSA provisions, would have the service fee waived and a premium reduction for the expanded coverage.
Remaining 2016 NAP application closing dates are Feb. 1 for Maple sap, March 15 for spring-seeded crops and pasture, and May 2 for ornamental nursery.
2017 NAP application coverage closing dates are:
•Sept. 1, 2016 – Value loss crops, controlled environment crops, and fall-seeded annual crops (rye);
Sept. 30, 2016 – perennial forage crops and wild rice;
Nov. 21, 2016 – perennial fruits and vegetables;
Dec. 1, 2016 - honey;
Feb. 1, 2017 -_ maple sap;
March 15, 2017 – spring-seeded crops and pasture;
 May 1, 2017 – ornamental nursery.
 
Producers who currently have NAP coverage or who are interested in coverage need to keep an accurate record of their production, report acreage of the crops to FSA annually and promptly notify FSA when losses occur.
Producers with questions on NAP coverage should contact the Rock County FSA Office at 283-2369 ext. 2 prior to the applicable application deadline.