Important Crop Insurance Deadline Nears For Alabama Producers

By Amelia Hines Dortch

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) reminds agricultural producers seeking federal crop insurance they must have their Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form, commonly called form AD-1026, on file with their local USDA service center by June 1, 2015.

Many farmers have a certification form on file, meeting conservation compliance provisions, since it’s required for participation in other USDA programs, including NRCS conservation programs. But producers, like specialty crop growers who receive federal crop insurance premium subsidies and do not participate in other USDA programs, must now file a certification form with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA).

“Most producers already have a certification form on file, but we want to ensure all producers interested in USDA benefits take the steps to be eligible,” said William E. Puckett, NRCS State Conservationist in Alabama. “We want to make sure producers interested in crop insurance know of the upcoming June 1 deadline. We encourage you to contact your local USDA service center to ensure you’re in compliance.”