USDA Reminds Producers of Spring/Fall Application Deadlines for Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, 2023– U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Illinois Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Scott Halpin reminds producers of approaching application deadlines for purchasing risk coverage for some crops through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). NAP provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops impacted by natural disasters that result in lower yields, crop losses, or prevented crop planting.

“Given the variability of weather in Illinois, we want to remind producers of the availability of NAP as a potential risk management tool,” said Halpin. “A recent policy change simplifies the application process for producers who are certified with FSA as underserved producers. These producers will have all NAP-related service fees for basic coverage waived.”

NAP covers losses from natural disasters on crops for which no permanent federal crop insurance program is available, including forage and grazing crops, fruits, vegetables, floriculture, ornamental nursery, aquaculture, turf grass and more.

Upcoming application deadlines for NAP coverage in Illinois for the 2023 production season include:

NAP basic coverage is available at 55% of the average market price for crop losses that exceed 50% of expected production. Buy-up coverage is available in some cases.  NAP offers higher levels of coverage, ranging from 50% to 65% of expected production in 5% increments, at 100% of the average market price. Producers of organic crops and crops marketed directly to consumers also may exercise the “buy-up” option to obtain NAP coverage of 100% of the average market price at coverage levels ranging between 50% and 65% of expected production.  Buy-up coverage is not available for crops intended for grazing.

For all coverage levels, the NAP service fee is the lesser of $325 per crop or $825 per producer per county, not to exceed a total of $1,950 for a producer with farming interests in multiple counties.  Premiums apply for buy-up coverage.

Underserved Producers

If a producer has a Socially Disadvantaged, Limited Resource, Beginning and Veteran Farmer or Rancher Certification (form CCC-860) on file with FSA, it may serve as an application for basic coverage for all eligible crops beginning with crop year 2022.  These producers will have all NAP-related service fees for basic coverage waived.  These producers may also receive a 50% premium reduction if higher levels of coverage are elected on form CCC-471, prior to the application closing date for each crop.

 To learn more about NAP visit fsa.usda.gov/nap or contact your local USDA Service Center.