An update this week from USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) stated that, “Certain industrial hemp growers will be able to obtain insurance coverage under the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) program for crop year 2020. [RMA] today announced coverage for hemp grown for fiber, flower or seeds, which will be available to producers who are in areas covered by USDA-approved hemp plans or who are part of approved state or university research pilot programs.
“‘Numerous producers are anxious for a way to protect their hemp crops from natural disasters,’ said RMA Administrator Martin Barbre. ‘The WFRP policy will provide a safety net for them. We expect to be able to offer additional hemp coverage options as USDA continues implementing the 2018 Farm Bill.’
“Producers can obtain WFRP coverage for hemp now if they are part of a Section 7606 state or university research pilot as authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. Other producers cannot obtain coverage until a USDA-approved plan is in place.”
The RMA update added that, “For more information on the Hemp Production Program, visit the [USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service] Hemp Production webpage and these questions and answers.
“For more information on WFRP coverage, visit the Hemp and Farm Bill Programs webpage on farmers.gov. RMA will publish a bulletin with additional information for approved insurance providers on Aug. 30.”
