RMA Updates Camelina Crop Insurance Pilot

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is updating the camelina pilot crop insurance policy for the 2022 crop year. USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is modifying the weighted average contract price calculation, which will ensure the producer’s choice of coverage level does not impact their contract price.

“At RMA, we’re responsive to producer needs, and we continue to update our insurance options to ensure they are as effective as possible,” said Eric Bashore, RMA Regional Office Director in Billings, Montana. “This tweak improves our pilot for camelina producers.”

RMA is also making a few other clarifications to the policy, including updating the indemnity calculation to account for cases where a minimum stand payment is included in the contract. The camelina insurance pilot offers Actual Production History coverage, which insures a grower’s historical yield. Only spring-planted camelina grown under contract with a processor is eligible for coverage.

Camelina is an annual in the mustard family, which is primarily used in the production of biodiesel. Camelina is expected to become more popular with an increased demand for renewable fuel sources.

More Information

RMA staff continue to work with crop insurance companies and other customers to assist in providing crop insurance coverage for producers. Farmers with crop insurance questions should contact their insurance agents about conducting business remotely (by telephone or email). More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA Agent Locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at rma.usda.gov.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America.