Producers need to be aware of changes to the 2011 Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) application closing dates. A March 15 deadline applies to: green beans, sweet corn, tomatoes (spring and fall), all forage and grazing crops (except wheat, rye, barley and oats).

NAP provides coverage for non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters. Crops eligible for NAP coverage are those for which crop insurance is not available. Insurance coverage on crops is also a requirement in order to remain eligible for the USDA’s Disaster Assistance Programs such as SURE, LFP, TAP, and ELAP.

Producers must purchase at least catastrophic (CAT) level of insurance for all insurable crops.

The application and service fee must be filed by the crop sales closing date.

For more details, contact your local Farm Service Agency or go to http://www.fsa.usda.gov.