By Zachary Larson
Farmers who planted cover crops in 2020 are eligible for a premium benefit from most crops insurance policies, as part of the Pandemic Cover Crop Program (PCCP), offered by USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA).
All crops that are reportable to FSA qualify for the benefit. The benefit of $5 per acre, but no more than the full premium owed, applies to producers who insured their spring crop and planted a qualifying cover crop during the 2021 crop year. Additionally, the program does not change acreage reporting dates, reporting requirements, or any other terms of the crop insurance policy. You will automatically receive the benefit if you file the Report of Acreage form (FSA-578) by June 15th. Normal acreage reporting dates still apply for planted cash crops. Cover crop fields that are reported must match those reported to your crop insurance company for your policy.
Those reporting cover crop acreage will need to provide:
- The cover crop species
- The number of acres for each cover crop
- A map with approximate boundaries for cover crops
- Cover crop planting dates and planting pattern, when applicable
- Producer shares
- Irrigation practices, if used
A few exceptions exist, as some policies already provide the benefit through underling coverage or are not compatible with acreage reporting.
Source : psu.edu