USDA Expanding Hemp Crop Insurance Program

By USDA|December 4, 2020

The USDA has announced it is expanding the pilot Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) plan for hemp. This expansion, as well as other improvements to the plan, will begin in the 2021 crop year.

“We are pleased to expand the hemp program and make other improvements for hemp producers,” says USDAs Risk Management Agency (RMA) Administrator Martin Barbre. “Hemp offers exciting economic opportunities for our nation’s farmers, and we are listening and responding to their risk management needs.”

The changes announced today include:

Expanding the program in several states
Allowing broker contracts for hemp grain
Adjusting program, reporting, and billing dates.

For more information on USDA risk management programs for hemp producers, visit farmers.gov/hemp.

RMA is also authorizing additional flexibilities due to the coronavirus pandemic while continuing to support producers, working through Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) to deliver services, including processing policies, claims, and agreements. RMA staff are working with AIPs and other customers by phone, mail, and electronically to continue supporting crop insurance coverage for producers. Growers with crop insurance questions or needs should continue to contact their insurance agents about conducting business remotely.