USDA: Deadline nearing for 2016 NAP program

Deadlines are nearing for producers who are interested in the 2016 Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), of the need to apply for coverage by the following crop deadline dates.

The deadline for 2016 NAP coverage on apples, asparagus, blueberries, caneberries, cherries, chestnuts, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums, and strawberries is Nov. 20 and the deadline for 2016 NAP coverage on potatoes, and all spring-planted specialty crops grown for food is set for March 15, 2016.

Eligible producers can apply for 2016 NAP coverage at their local FSA Office using form CCC-471, Application for Coverage. The service fee for basic NAP coverage is the lesser of $250 per crop or $750 per producer per administrative county, not to exceed a total of $1,875 for a producer with farming interest in multiple counties. Producers interested in buy-up coverage must pay a premium, in addition to the service fee. The maximum premium will be $6,564.

Producer meeting the definition of a socially disadvantaged farmer, beginning farmer, or limited resource farmer will have service fees waived. Producers meeting this definition that choose to purchase buy-up coverage will also have service fees waived and the premium will be capped at $3,282.

To help producers learn more about the NAP program and how it can help them, USDA, offers an online tool which allows producers to determine whether their crops are eligible for coverage and gives producers an opportunity to explore a variety of options and levels to determine the best protection level for their operation.

Please visit www.fsa.usda.gov for more information.