Butler, Missouri – Jan. 30, 2013 – Mike Finley Executive Director for the Bates County
Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers that March 15,
2013, is the application closing date to sign up for Non insured Crop Disaster
Assistance Program (NAP) coverage on many crops, including native & fescue
forage (hay) and pasture, pecans production and most spring-seeded crops.
NAP provides financial assistance to
producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory or
prevented planting occur due to natural disasters.
The March 15th deadline also
applies to persons who have a 2012 policy that expired and want to renew
coverage for 2013. NAP coverage is
available for crops only where insurance coverage is not available under
Federal Crop Insurance policies provided by private insurance agents.
The NAP program covers losses of more
than 50 percent of normal yields or the farm's yield calculated using actual
production histories. Payments for production lost in excess of 50 percent are
paid at 55 percent of the values established for the crop. The 2012 is a year
that is a perfect example of the benefits of a grass policy would have had.
NAP policies not only provide insurance
protection, but may be a requirement to participate in other FSA programs, such
as future Disaster programs.
The cost per policy is $250 per crop
per producer with a $750 cap per county. The $250 administrative fee is non-refundable.
Producers are encouraged to contact the
Bates County FSA office to obtain NAP coverage or for additional information
before the March 15, 2013, deadline. Information on the NAP program can also be
found on FSA's website at www.fsa.usda.gov.
