USDA announces better insurance for cherry growers

By Scout Nelson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced significant updates to the Actual Revenue History (ARH) Sweet Cherry and ARH Tart Cherry for Processing crop insurance programs, set to take effect for the 2025 crop year. These improvements will offer cherry producers enhanced risk management options, allowing them to better safeguard their operations against potential losses.

One key update allows producers to request a Regional Office (RO) Determined Yield (DY) for any acreage that does not meet the minimum production requirement. This change is particularly important for producers who have faced unavoidable production setbacks in recent years.

 "Cherry producers have experienced many unavoidable production setbacks in the last few years that have made meeting the minimum production requirement difficult," said Amber Rhode, Acting Director of RMA’s Regional Office that covers Wisconsin. "The Risk Management Agency is proud to work with our cherry producers to continue to improve coverage options so producers can continue to effectively manage risk on their operation."

In addition, the Risk Management Agency (RMA) is expanding Enterprise Units (EU) and EUs by organic farming practice (EO) to include Sweet and Tart Cherry producers starting with the 2025 crop year. These enhancements are part of a broader effort to expand coverage options for perennial and specialty crop producers.

The ARH Sweet Cherry pilot program, established in 2009, is available in seven states, while the ARH Tart Cherry for Processing pilot program, introduced in 2014, is available in five states. The sales closing date for the 2025 crop year is November 20, 2024, in all states except California, where it is January 31, 2025.

RMA has collaborated with stakeholders to refine these programs, ensuring that they meet the evolving needs of producers. In the 2024 crop year, cherry producers insured $634 million in covered liabilities across 96,000 acres.

Producers interested in learning more about these updates and other crop insurance options can contact their local USDA Service Center or visit the RMA website.

This initiative is part of the USDA's broader commitment to strengthening the agricultural safety net and supporting resilient, sustainable food production in the U.S.

Photo Credit:usda