Forage or Alfalfa Seed Insurance Pilot Program Becomes Permanent

The forage or alfalfa seed insurance policy offered through the federal crop insurance program will be converted to a permanent policy for the 2015 crop year. Spokane Region’s USDA Risk Management Specialist Jo Lynne Seufer shares the good news of this pilot program gaining its permanency.
Seufer: “We are excited that producers are insured. This program will be continued for many years ahead. It is available for the 2015 crop year in Canyon and Owyhee counties, Idaho; in Malheur County, Oregon; and also in Grant and Walla Walla counties in Washington state.”
So what if you are growing alfalfa seed outside of those counties and are interested in obtaining insurance through this program? Seufer says
Seufer: “What is great about this policy is producers outside of those counties where it is actuarially filed can request a written agreement so they can obtain crop insurance coverage as well. Growers contracting for production hybrid forage seed are going to be able to get coverage for that type in the Spokane Region.”
The Spokane Risk Management Agency Region covers the Pacific Northwest’s three states as well as Alaska. She adds.
Seufer: “We really do encourage producers to contact their insurance agent specifically by September 30th of this year so they can insure their crop for the 2015 crop year.”