Risk Management Agency Spokane, Wash., officials announce changes to the Apple, Cherry and Stonefruit Federal Crop Insurance Corporation's Multi-Peril Crop Insurance program for Idaho, Oregon and Washington producers.

The new rules applicable next  year will be used to determine insurance eligibility and coverage and claims payments if there is a crop loss.

Coverage for fresh prunes and plums is available for the first time in the region under the new stonefruit provisions. The new crop coverage is available in the following counties of the three states:

Apple MPCI and Actual Revenue History Cherry Pilot Provisions were also modified for the 2011 crop year.

The sales closing date for apple, blueberry, ARH cherry pilot, cranberry, grape and pear crop insurance, including stonefruits such as apricots, nectarines, freestone peaches, plums and prunes will be Nov 22, 2010.

Current policyholders and uninsured growers must make their decisions on crop insurance coverage, especially for which crops to insure and at what level, prior to the closing date. A list of insurance agents is available at the RMA website at www3.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents.

The Spokane office also reminds producers that there is an important link between federal crop insurance and Farm Service Agency's Disaster Assistance programs for 2011.