Western Growers, USDA facilitate two workshops on new strawberry crop insurance program
IRVINE, Calif. (June 8, 2016) – Western Growers is working closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency to enhance and improve the current strawberry crop insurance program that was established to protect growers against losses from low yield, low price or a combination of both.
The Strawberry Crop Insurance Program was developed in 2012 and was further reviewed by USDA in 2015. The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation enhanced and extended the program for two years. The program is based on the grower’s own revenue history, and the insurance is federally subsidized to help lower the cost for growers. Since the beginning, the insurance team at Western Growers has played an integral role in helping USDA tailor the program to growers’ needs.
“For years, the California Strawberry Commission and Western Growers have collaborated with and facilitated the conversation between USDA and strawberry growers to help develop a product that meets the needs of farmers not only in California but throughout the nation,” said Matt McInerney, Senior Executive Vice President of Western Growers.
In the latest effort to tailor the program, the two organizations have planned two informational meetings scheduled for June 13 (Oxnard, Calif.) and June 14 (Santa Maria, Calif.). Growers can participate in discussions regarding the extension and further development of the Strawberry Crop Insurance Program, as well as the potential development of a special endorsement to the policy. USDA will also be discussing how the insurance program can work for growers, the program requirements, purchase date, and how crop insurance can be purchased.
Oxnard Grower Outreach Meeting
Monday, June 13, 2016
8:00am -10:00am (breakfast served)
Courtyard by Marriot
600 E. Esplanade Dr.
Oxnard, CA 93036
Santa Maria Grower Outreach Meeting
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
9:00am-11:00am
Ag. Commissioner’s Office
624 W. Foster Rd.
Santa Maria, CA 93455
The new strawberry crop insurance program is currently available in the following counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura. For more information about the program or workshops, contact Gretchen Rooney-Adan at [email protected].
About Western Growers:
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California and Colorado. Our members and their workers provide half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including nearly half of America’s fresh organic produce. For generations we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers. Connect with and learn more about Western Growers on our Twitter and Facebook.
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