PM-25-050: Shellfish Pilot Crop Insurance Program Changes Effective for the 2026 and Succeeding Crop Years

BACKGROUND:

The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board of Directors approved changes to the Shellfish pilot crop insurance program, under section 508(h) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act, on August 15, 2025.

The following changes are applicable for the 2026 and succeeding crop years:

• Expanded to an additional six counties in two states; and
• Renamed the "named storms" cause of loss to "qualifying storms."

ACTION:

The following documents will be available by close of business today on the RMA website at https://www.rma.usda.gov:

• Shellfish Commodity Provisions (26-0115)
• Shellfish Insurance Standards Handbook (FCIC-24430)
• Shellfish Data Provisions
• Shellfish Frequently Asked Questions
• Shellfish Fact Sheet
• Aquaculture (Shellfish, Oysters, Clams, WFRP) Fact Sheet
• Risk Management Agency (RMA) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) Aquaculture Programs Fact Sheet

Approved insurance providers must notify policyholders of these changes at least 30 days prior to the cancellation date, as required by the policy.

Interested producers should contact a crop insurance agent for further information. A list of agents can be found on the RMA website at https://www.rma.usda.gov/tools-reports/agent-locator.

DISPOSAL DATE:
December 31, 2025