October 28, 1997

INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM: R&D-97-077

TO:      All Reinsured Companies
         All Risk Management Field Offices
                 
FROM:    Tim B. Witt
         Deputy Administrator 
         
SUBJECT: 1998 Florida Avocado and Mango Tree Pilot Program 

BACKGROUND:   

In response to grove owners' comments, the Risk Management Agency (RMA) has 
developed new crop provisions specific to the coverage of avocado and
mango trees.  The method used to determine losses has been changed from a
scaffold limb method to a canopy volume method in the new crop provisions.
Avocado and mango trees will no longer be covered under the Florida
Fruit Tree Pilot Crop Provisions 96014. 

ACTION:

The 1998 crop year Florida Avocado and Mango Tree actuarial filing is available
electronically via the Reporting Organization (RO) server.  This release
includes the Crop Provisions 98-212, Acknowledgment of Differences,
Premium Calculation Worksheet, Avocado and Mango Loss Adjustment
Procedure, FCI-35 Coverage and Rate Tables, and Special Provisions of 
Insurance.  

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.  The cancellation date is November 15.
Avocado or mango tree insureds for the 1997 crop year will need to submit
an application to be covered under the new Avocado and Mango Tree Pilot
Program for the 1998 crop year.       

If you have any questions about this pilot program, please contact Ron Lundine 
at (816) 926-3854 or by fax at (816) 926-7343.

Attachment