The deadline to insure perennial crops in the northeast for the 2015 crop year is November 20, 2014. Perennial crops include apples, cherries, peaches, pears, blueberries, grapes and cranberries. In addition, changes have been made to the 2015 apple crop policy to provide more favorable protection for high value fresh market apple growers.

The crop insurance program has become the backbone of many northeast farms' risk management plans. In 2014, nearly 120,000 acres of northeast perennial crops were insured against spring freeze, summer hail, significant wind events or other weather events that resulted in reduced yield or quality.

Changes to the 2015 apple crop policy will allow producers to better protect their investment through the use of improved varietal groups. Growers who choose coverage by varietal groups will insure Honeycrisp apples in their own unit with an established price of $51.45 per bushel. Cortland, Empire, Fuji, Gala, Jonagold, Macoun, McIntosh, Ozark Gold, Paula Red, Cripps Pink (Pink Lady) and Red Rome will be insured in a separate unit with an established price of $15.55 per bushel. All other varieties will be insured as a unit with an established price of $10.75 per bushel.

To protect investments in the 2015 crop, perennial crop producers should contact their Crop Growers agent well in advance of the November 20 deadline to sign up or make changes to their coverage. Additionally, producers who are renewing coverage should report any changes in their business to their crop insurance agent, such as bringing a new member into the business entity or forming a LLC or corporation.

Source - http://www.freshplaza.com/