To participate, simply text the keyword APPLE to the number 52886 or visit https://bit.ly/AppleCropIns.
MFB’s commodity marketing affiliate, the Michigan Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Association (MACMA), says with only 56 comments submitted through the federal register as of March 7, it’s critical for more apple producers to weigh in.
“If USDA moves forward, the new crop insurance policy could be detrimental to some producers,” MACMA General Manager Dawn Drake said. “The proposed changes have little improvement in coverage and will generally be more burdensome for producers.
“Among our concerns are inadequately written definitions, unreasonable timeframes to allow for accurate premium and coverage quotes as well as several provisions that don’t account for growing practices that vary by region.”
MFB is focusing on three primary concerns within the proposal:
- The Apple Supplemental Report does not adequately define acceptable, verifiable records. The definitions are inconsistent, and it’s unclear what the detailed report will be or what records would be required to substantiate data. Depending on what is ultimately defined, the records may not be available. Additionally, because the report is months after the grower is required to elect their coverage level, it would be impossible to quote accurate premium and coverage levels.
- The Recommended Cultural Practices provision is supposed to provide flexibility; however, it would become required, instead of recommended, for acreage to meet the definition of fresh apple production. Additionally, practices vary by growing region and therefore should be prevailing in the area before they become part of a requirement. These practices should be reviewed by regional university experts and should never be brought in to devalue an indemnity when a farm experiences a loss due to a weather event.
- The Risk Management Agency determined that 65% loss the value of the crop would be zero. Although there would be a loss for selling in the fresh market, the apples would still be able to be utilized in the processing market. The new proposal states that the loss would only be paid if the insured doesn’t sell a single apple. This would directly impact the state’s processed apple products such as slices, applesauce and apple juice – which are highly desired by consumers and USDA.
Producers with questions about the proposal can contact Dawn Drake at [email protected] or 800-292-2653.
Additional information is also available via the Federal Register and the Regulations.gov docket.