USDA Provides New Risk Management Option for Date Fruit

(Davis, Calif., Oct. 5, 2026) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced a new crop insurance program for date fruit growers in Yuma County, Arizona, and Riverside and Imperial counties in California. This new coverage option is available beginning with the 2027 crop year.

"This new crop insurance program was created at the request of farmers and producer associations," said RMA Administrator Pat Swanson. "RMA has put an emphasis on improving insurance coverage for specialty crop producers, and approving this new risk management option is another way we're accomplishing that goal."

Date fruit crop insurance will provide Actual Production History (APH) coverage for the Medjool variety of commercially grown date fruit under irrigated practice, with available coverage levels between 50% and 85%, or Catastrophic Risk Protection (CAT) coverage.

Additionally, a contract price option will be available for certified organic and organic transitional acreage.

Interested producers should contact a crop insurance agent by the sales closing date, Jan. 31, 2027, to purchase coverage.

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.

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