Davis RO: USDA Expands Covered Causes of Loss for Grapevine Policyholders

(Davis, Calif., Sept. 10, 2026) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced the expansion of insured causes of loss through the grapevine insurance program, along with additional program updates. Beginning with the 2027 crop year, grapevine policyholders will be protected in the event of an earthquake.

"RMA has been steadfast in our commitment to increasing the effectiveness of Federal crop insurance as a risk management tool," said RMA Administrator Pat Swanson. "In crop year 2026, producers insured over $263 million in covered liabilities on 25 million grapevines. We want to ensure these producers have a strong safety net in times when they need it the most."

Additional changes to the program include a revised definition of "stage" to provide separate time periods for vines grafted in the field, along with new vine reporting requirements for transplanted vines and vines grafted in the field.

About Grapevine Insurance

The grapevine insurance program is a Tree Based Dollar Amount of Insurance (TDO) Plan, available in select counties in California, Idaho, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. For an additional premium, producers with buy-up coverage can elect an Occurrence Loss Option that provides coverage for smaller losses.

Producers interested in purchasing coverage through the grapevine insurance program should contact a crop insurance agent before the Nov. 1, 2026, sales closing date.

More Information

RMA secures the future of agriculture by providing world class risk management tools to rural America through Federal crop insurance and risk management education programs. RMA provides policies for more than 130 crops and is constantly working to adjust and create new policies based on producer needs and feedback.

Contact a crop insurance agent to see how Federal crop insurance can meet the specific needs of your operation. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online at the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at rma.usda.gov or by contacting their RMA Regional Office. RMA's Basics for Beginners provides information for those new to crop insurance.

Additional USDA disaster assistance information can be found on farmers.gov, including USDA resources specifically for producers impacted by winter weather. Those resources include the Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool, Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet, Loan Assistance Tool, and Natural Disasters and Crop Insurance fact sheet.

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