RMA is improving the Raisin Crop Insurance Program in California by increasing the reconditioning payment amount from $175 to $250 per ton.

As outlined in MGR-25-003, for the 2025 crop year, RMA is providing relief from the above new breaking Special Provision statement by rescinding this requirement.

Due to the catastrophic damage that Hurricane Helene and Milton caused in the southeast as well as the continuing impacts from Hurricane Debby, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is authorizing emergency procedures to help producers with hurricane-related losses.

The USDA announced policy enhancements to the grapevine insurance program, starting for the 2025 crop year.

The U.S. USDA announced that a new Fire Insurance Protection-Smoke Index (FIP-SI) endorsement is available for grapes grown in California starting with the 2025 crop year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced changes to the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) beginning with the 2025 crop year.

The USDA is expanding crop insurance options for specialty and organic growers.

The House and Senate Farm Bills reflect differing priorities. The House Bill leans toward production ag while the Senate Bill prioritizes food stamp/TFP, conservation and CCC program changes.

There is finally movement on the farm bill as the House and Senate Agriculture Committees leaders unveiled competing farm bill proposals.

On March 11, President Joe Biden released a proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget that fully funds the Federal crop insurance program in recognition of the indispensable role that crop insurance plays in the farm safety net.