USDA says a record 1.77 million contracts were signed by producers for the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2019 crop year.
The Farm Service Agency attributes the significant participation in the 2019 crop year to increased producer interest in the programs under the 2018 farm bill. There also was an increase in eligible farms due to the selling and buying of farms and new opportunities for beginning farmers and military veterans with farms having 10 or fewer base acres.
“Producers for several years have experienced low commodity prices, a volatile trade environment and catastrophic natural disasters. … Farmers looking to mitigate these risks recognize that ARC and PLC provide the financial protections they need to weather substantial drops in crop prices or revenues,” Richard Fordyce, administrator of USDA’s Farm Service Agency, said in a USDA press release.
June 30 is the deadline to enroll in ARC and PLC programs for the 2020 crop year. Producers looking to sign a 2020 contract can contact their local FSA office by phone appointment only or use USDA’s online tools. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.
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