Announced in a release this past week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) outlined its steps to support America’s farmers in response to ongoing challenges across the agricultural sector. To ease financial pressures and strengthen risk management options for American farmers, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is announcing temporary premium payment flexibilities and the reinstatement of the option to purchase additional 5% prevented planting coverage.

“Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to supporting America’s farmers through challenging conditions while ensuring the Federal Crop Insurance Program remains a strong and reliable risk management tool,” said RMA Administrator Pat Swanson. “We are providing producers additional flexibility when they need it most.”

For more details on the USDA updates, please read below.

Payment flexibilities

  • AIPs can give producers up to 60 extra days to pay premiums, admin fees, and Written Payment Agreement amounts for billing dates between July 1 and September 30, 2026.
  • Interest can be waived during that extended window; it only starts accruing after the 60 days end or the policy’s termination date, whichever comes first.
  • RMA will also defer collection of unpaid producer premiums and fees from AIPs, and waive related interest, starting with the August monthly accounting cycle.

Prevented Plant Coverage

  • RMA is reinstating the option to buy an additional 5% prevented planting coverage, effective with the August 31, 2026, filing date for the 2027 and future crop years.
  • The added coverage gives producers more flexibility to manage risk when extreme weather or other conditions keep them from planting on schedule.

Read the full USDA release here and be sure to reach out to your local ProAg agent for more information.