August 22, 1997  
     
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM: R&D-97-061
     
TO:      All Reinsured Companies
         All Risk Management Field Offices
                      
FROM:    Tim B. Witt             /s/ Roberta E. Waggoner (for)
         Deputy Administrator 
              
SUBJECT: 1998 Florida Fruit Tree Pilot Program 
   
BACKGROUND:   
     
In response to grove owners' risk management needs, the Risk Management
Agency (RMA) is developing new crop provisions specific to the coverage
of avocado and mango trees.  The new avocado and mango policy is
scheduled to be released by September 30, 1997.  Avocado and mango trees
will no longer be covered under the Florida Fruit Tree Pilot Crop
Provisions 96014.  
     
ACTION:
     
Florida Fruit Trees:
-------------------
The 1998 crop year Florida Fruit Tree actuarial filing is available
electronically via the Reporting Organization (RO) server.  This release
includes the FCI-35 Coverage and Rate Tables and Special Provisions of
Insurance.  The rates, amounts of insurance, and Crop Provisions 96014
are unchanged from the 1997 crop year. 
     
Florida Avocado and Mango Trees:
-------------------------------
Reinsured companies must notify current avocado and mango insureds that
insurance coverage under Florida Fruit Tree Pilot Crop Provisions 96014
is canceled for the 1998 crop year.
     
If you have any questions about this pilot program, please contact Ken
Harrison at (816) 926-6343 or by fax at (816) 926-7343.