Organic Crops

Organic farming has become one of the fastest growing segments of U.S. agriculture. USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) recognizes organic farming practices as good farming practices and continues to move forward in improving crop insurance coverage for organic producers and producers transitioning to organic production to make viable and effective risk management options available. In general, regulations governing the insurability of organic and transitional practices are the same as for conventional practices.

RMA provides coverage for certified organic acreage and transitional acreage (acreage transitioning to certified organic acreage in accordance with an organic plan). Insurance can only be provided for any crop grown using organic farming practices when a premium rate for an organic practice is specified in the actuarial documents or there is an approved written agreement.

Fact Sheets, Frequently Asked Questions, and Releases

• Fact Sheet – Organic Farming Practices (Nov 2016) Spanish Version (Dec 2017)
• Fact Sheet – Contract Price Addendum (CPA) (Nov 2016)
• FAQs - Crop Insurance Basics (Aug 2008)
• Release – USDA Expands Insurance Options for Farmers Transitioning to Certified Organic Agriculture (Feb 2016)
• Release – USDA Continues to Expand Options for Organic Producers (Sep 2015)
• Release – Important Dates Near for Expanded Crop Insurance Options for Organic Producers
  (Feb 2014)
• Release – Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Unveils Vision for U.S. Organic Agriculture (May 2013)
• Release – USDA Releases Studies Addressing Crop Insurance for Organic Crops (Aug 2010)

Policies and Handbooks

• Common Crop Insurance Provisions, Basic Provisions - section 37, Organic Farming Practices
• Contract Price Addendum (CPA)
• Handbooks in effect for 2017
  • 2018 General Standards Handbook, Part 8, Section 4, Organic Practice
  • 2018 Crop Insurance Handbook
  • 2018 Written Agreement Handbook
  • 2018 Loss Adjustment Manual (LAM) Standards Handbook, Part 3, Organic Certified & Organic Transitional Practices
  • Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) Pilot Handbook

Publications

• Report to Congress on Progress of Organic Price Elections (Apr 2018)
• Report to Congress on Progress of Organic Price Elections (Mar 2017)
• Report to Congress on Progress of Organic Price Elections (Mar 2016)
• Organic Pricing Methodologies for Barley, Corn, Cotton, Grain Sorghum, Soybeans, and Wheat
  (Jun 2015)
• Report to Congress on Progress of Organic Price Elections (Mar 2015)
• Report to Congress on Progress of Organic Price Elections (Mar 2014)
• Organic Crop Insurance Audit and Next Steps - Questions & Answers (Feb 2013)
• Organic Crops Reports

Summary of Business Report for Organic Crops

• 2017 Crop Year Organic Summary of Business Report
• 2016 Crop Year Organic Summary of Business Report
• 2015 Crop Year Organic Summary of Business Report
• 2014 Crop Year Organic Summary of Business Report
• 2013 Crop Year Organic Summary of Business Report
• 2012 Crop Year Organic Summary of Business Report

Tools for Organic Crops

• Contract Price Addendum Eligibility by Commodity
• Organic Premium Price Elections Available by Commodity
• Organic Farmers: Steps to Success

USDA Certified Organic Production Survey

Contact Information

Find a crop insurance agent to discuss available options. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. For more information, contact RMA Public Affairs.