Farming is a high-risk business. While risk has always been a part of agriculture, the 2008 Farm Bill requires enrollment in crop insurance for eligibility for disaster programs. New crop insurance products are being offered to producers in New York State every year. The Department has partnered with the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) to provide education opportunities to producers about crop insurance and risk management. Throughout the year, concentrated in the winter months, Cornell Cooperative Extension staff and other educators are offering workshops on crop insurance topics and are available at booths at all major trade shows in the state. In addition, educators can be scheduled to make presentations to producer groups upon request.

Our objective is to provide producers with enough information about crop insurance to make an informed decision about whether to use currently available crop insurance and risk management strategies.

Resources Related to Assessing Flood-damaged Crops

A Notice from the Food and Drug Administration to Growers, Food Manufacturers, Food Warehouse Managers, and Transporters of Food Products About the Safety of Food Affected by Hurricanes, Flooding, and Power Outages

USDA FDA Regulations – Adulterated Food: Sec 402

USDA FSA/FDA Press Release: September 13, 2011

For those with Crop Insurance:
USDA RMA Claims Advisory, September 12, 2011

Crop Insurance Basics

• Types of Crop Insurance
• Crop Insurance and Disaster Payments
• Is My Crop Covered in My County?
• Federal Subsidies for Crop Insurance Premiums
• Finding an Agent
• Important Deadlines!

Crop Insurance Information by Specialty

• Perennial Fruit (Apples, Grapes, Peaches)
• Field Crops (Corn, Soybeans)
• Vegetables (Cabbage, Dry Beans, Green Peas, Onions, Potatoes, Processing Beans, Sweet Corn)
• Nursery & Greenhouse Crops
• Perennial Crops (Barley, Oats, Wheat)
• Pasture, Rangeland & Forage (PRF) (Hay, Forage, Pasture)
• Apiculture
• Dairy – Livestock Gross Margin (LGM)
• Beginning Farmers

Upcoming Events and Education Opportunities

For questions, contact your crop insurance agent, your FSA agent or
Sarah Johnston
NYS Dept of Agriculture and Markets
518-457-4531