BULLETIN NO.:   MGR-96-029

TO:      All Reinsured Companies
         All Risk Management Field Offices
         FSA Headquarters, Program Delivery and Field Offices

FROM:    Kenneth D. Ackerman
         Acting Administrator

SUBJECT: 1997 Florida Citrus Acreage Reports


BACKGROUND:

Numerous changes were made to the 1997 Florida citrus actuarial rating 
structure to eliminate 300-plus aerial photographs per county and the need to 
call the Regional Service Office (RSO).  The rate structure has been 
simplified and maps provided to allow the agent to directly determine an 
insurance offer without the need to contact the RSO.  These changes empower
the private insurance agent to assist producers in making the best risk 
management decisions without the need for outside intervention. 

Unlike other crops, Florida citrus has a very short time period for carryover 
insureds to be notified of policy and actuarial changes prior to the 
cancellation/acreage reporting date of April 30.  Risk Management recognized 
this disparity and recently completed the public comment period for a rule 
that proposed to change the Florida citrus policy contract change date to 
March 15.  This would allow agents and insureds more time to learn of and 
deal with policy and actuarial changes.  If the proposed rule is adopted, the 
new policy will be in effect for the 1998 crop year.

Concerns have also been raised regarding differences in the final date by 
which Florida citrus insureds may change their policy coverage.  This issue 
was addressed in MGR-95-014 for the 1996 crop year.

ACTION:

Effective immediately, Florida citrus acreage reports will be accepted for 
the 1997 crop year through May 31, 1996, except for new policyholders.  New 
policyholders must submit their acreage reports by the latter of May 31 or 
when the application for insurance is submitted.  Crop inspections are not 
required for Florida citrus acreage reports obtained by May 31, 1996.  The 
cancellation date is not changed;  it remains April 30, 1996.

In addition, MGR-95-014 will remain in effect for the 1997 crop year.