News Release

Missouri specialty crop growers currently have an opportunity to purchase special disaster coverage through the USDA Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP). The program provides financial assistance to producers of Missouri's otherwise uninsurable crops, including fruits like apples and peaches, when low yields, loss of inventory or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters.

"In light of the challenges Missouri producers have faced over the past few years, participation in programs like NAP is an important consideration for specialty crop growers," said Missouri Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "Although not all produce grown in Missouri is insurable through traditional crop insurance programs, this program gives producers an opportunity to manage their risk."

Producers have until Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2012, to purchase coverage from USDA through the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program for fruit crops including: apples, apricots, blueberries, grapes, nectarines, peaches, pears and plums. Producers growing plums to be harvested for prunes may also be eligible for coverage.

For more information on sales closing dates and NAP, producers are encouraged to contact their local USDA-FSA service center. A list of those facilities is available online through fsa.usda.gov or by contacting Missouri's state office at (573) 876-0925.

For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and opportunities for specialty crop growers in Missouri, visit the Department online at mda.mo.gov.