Because of challenges facing our nation due to COVID-19, RMA is extending multiple important dates. Please see below for highlights of the bulletins. 

20-005 - COVID-19 and Crop Insurance Deadlines 

• Read the full memo HERE
• Written agreements may be submitted after the Sales Closing Date (SCD), but on or before the acreage reporting date, if the producer is able to demonstrate, including self-certification of COVID-19 related issues, the physical inability to submit the request (or required additional documentation) on or before the SCD. 
• Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) have 30 days after the applicable producer submission deadline to submit the Request for Actuarial Change form and all applicable documentation.

20-006 - COVID-19 and Impact on Production Reporting Date (PRD) for Crops Insured Under the Common Crop Insurance Policy, Basic Provisions

• Read the full memo HERE
• The Production Reporting Date (PRD) for 2019’s crop year production that has a reporting due date in 2020, will be the earlier of the Acreage Reporting Date (ARD) or 30 days after the Production Reporting Date (PRD) for crops insured under the Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic Provisions (BP) with a March 15 Production Reporting Date (PRD) or later.
• For the 2019 and 2020 Crop Year, Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) are authorized to accept production reports through the earlier of the Acreage Reporting Date (ARD), or 30 days after the applicable Production Reporting Date (PRD) for crops insured under the Basic Provisions with a PRD of March 15, 2020, or later. 

20-007 - COVID-19 Relief - Deferral of Interest Charges on Crop Insurance Premiums

• Read the full memo HERE
• Interest accrual on premium payments and administrative fees, as noted above, will be waived to the earliest of an additional 60 days of the scheduled payment due date or the termination date on policies with premium billing dates between March 1, 2020, and April 30, 2020.
• AIPs are also authorized to provide additional time for policyholders to make payment for Written Payment Agreements due between March 1, 2020, and April 30, 2020. Payments may be extended up to 60 days of the scheduled payment due date and considered a timely payment.

Read the full press release for 20-005, 20-006, and 20-007 on the RMA website.

20-008 - COVID-19 Relief: Self-Certification Replant Inspections & Assignment of Indemnity Witness Waiver  

Self-Certification Replants

• Read the full memo HERE
• For the 2020 crop year only, AIPs are authorized to allow self-certification replant inspections for up to 100 gross acres (before considering share) per unit in lieu of 50 acres.
• AIPs are authorized to allow policyholders that have elected Basic (BU) or Enterprise Units (EU), to apply the 100-acre limitation, and perform self-certification replant inspections up to 100 acres, for each of the underlying databases that could qualify as separate optional units under the BU; or separate optional or basic units under the EU.

Assignment of Indemnity

• AIPs are authorized to waive the witness signature requirement for approval of Assignments through July 15, 2020, as applicable for crop years 2019 through 2021.
• AIPs must obtain and maintain documentation for proof of debt or other pecuniary obligation before an Assignment is accepted.

Read the full press release for 20-008 on the RMA website.

We will continue to monitor any changes, and keep you informed of any changes as they arise. 

As a reminder, while many employees are working remotely NAU Country remains here for you and your policyholders. 

Additional Resources

• Coronavirus and USDA Service Centers
• AACI ISSUE Update - RMA Announcement 4/13/2020
• RMA Information on COVID-19 and dumped milk on DRP and LGM for Dairy Policies including MGR 20-001.6, MGR 20-009, and MGR 20-010
• COVID-19 meets NAU Country Crop Insurance - Links to help you serve your farmers while maintaining social distancing guidelines