A.G. Gancarski
Farmers facing coronavirus-driven economic uncertainty can look forward to relaxed crop insurance rules.
These “new flexibilities,” claim the state’s Agriculture Commissioner, represent a culmination of her efforts and a potential leg-up for farmers in crisis.
“Our team has been in constant communication with agriculture producers, industry leaders, and the USDA throughout the coronavirus outbreak — we have relayed concerns and challenges facing the industry here in Florida, including the need for crop insurance flexibilities,” asserted Commissioner Nikki Fried.
“We’re thankful for this support from the USDA and we are advising producers to utilize these new flexibilities. As our agriculture community works to meet demand for fresh food and ensure the public’s needs are met, we are committed to supporting them in every way possible — we will continue coordinating with the USDA in case further support is needed,” Fried vowed.
A media release from her office laid out some of the biggest benefits for Florida farmers.
The largest benefit for those dealing with cash-flow issues: a 60-day waiver on interest for premiums and written payment agreements. Under this scheme, a payment two months late would still be seen as timely.
Also greenlighted: the allowance of electronic notifications for required reports, including written agreement issues, acreage and production reporting, and upcoming sales closing dates, including deadlines to buy crop insurance.
As well, production reporting dates will be relaxed.
“For the 2020 crop year, AIPs may accept production reports through the earlier of the acreage reporting date (ARD) or 30 days after the production reporting date (PRD) for crops insured under the Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic Provisions with a PRD of March 15, 2020, or later,” Fried’s office asserted.
More federal help may be on the way for beleaguered farmers, via the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The USDA will have $14 billion of new funding authority to deploy from that for the Commodity Credit Corporation. As commodity prices have tanked since coronavirus and associated economic measures wreaked havoc on the global economy, the hope is that new money will offer some stability for a beleaguered sector.
