By Jamie Martin
The USDA has announced a critical deadline for agricultural producers: April 15, 2025, is the last day to enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the upcoming crop year. These programs are important in providing financial protection against market volatility.
Currently, New Hampshire shows strong participation with 333 contracts signed, reflecting 70% of the anticipated total.
Marilyn Milne, deputy state executive director for FSA in New Hampshire, emphasized the importance of these programs, noting, "Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage programs provide excellent risk protection for market declines, at no cost to the producer."
Producers can choose between ARC, which covers crop revenue losses, and PLC, which protects against price drops. However, failure to sign up by the deadline means missing out on potential payments for that crop year.
Additionally, the USDA encourages producers to consider other available programs during their visit, such as the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP), which began accepting applications on March 19, 2025.
For those uncertain about which program best fits their needs, the USDA, in collaboration with university extensions like UNH, provides online decision tools. These resources assist in making informed choices based on specific farm data.
It's crucial for producers to act promptly to ensure they are covered for the 2025 crop year. Missing this deadline could significantly impact their financial planning and ability to manage risks associated with agricultural production.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National