In a November 30 press release by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the agency announced several hemp program improvements that are slated to begin in the 2021 crop year.

The changes include expansion of the pilot Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) plan for hemp. Other changes include expanding the program to new states and counties, allowing broken contracts for hemp grain, and adjusting program reporting and billing dates. 

Expanding

The USDA’s MPCI plan expands to include select counties in new states (Arizona, Arkansas, Nevada and Texas) while also moving into new counties within states that already have coverage. That’s good news for crop insurers and farmers alike. Crop insurance is sold through private insurance agents. Farmers will have added protection from the natural unpredictability of farming.

Adjusting

The program is adjusting reporting and billing dates. Sales closing, cancellation, production reporting and termination dates will be adjusted to match dates of similar crops. Likewise, the program will adjust acreage reporting dates to coincide with regional final planting dates. And finally, all premium billing dates for all states have been moved to August 15.

“We are pleased to expand the hemp program and make other improvements for hemp producers,” said USDA’s 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.”