The U.S. Department of Agriculture has expanded coverage for specialty crops traditionally ineligible for federal crop insurance.

Created by the 2014 Farm Bill, the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program offers protection to crops, such as vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, floriculture, ornamental nursery, aquaculture, turf grass, ginseng, honey, syrup and energy crops, according to a news release.

In the past, the program offered coverage at 55% of the average market price for crop losses that exceed 50% of expected production. Producers can now choose levels up to 65% of their expected production at 100% of the average market price.

The expanded program also helps beginning and underserved producers as well as limited-resource farmers, who will receive fee waivers and premium reductions, according to the release.

The USDA has partnered with Michigan State University and the University of Illinois to create an online tool at www.fsa.usda.gov/nap that helps producers determine whether their crops are eligible for coverage.

It also allows users to explore different options and levels to determine the best protection for their operation.

If the application deadline for an eligible crop has already passed, producers will have until Jan. 14, 2015, to choose expanded coverage through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.

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