By Curtis Talley, Ben Werling and Ben Phillips, Michigan State University Extension
Educational workshops are available to commercial producers wanting more information on the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), such as eligible producers and crops, coverage levels, and service fees and premiums.
The Non-insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops to protect against natural disasters that result in lower yields, crop losses or prevented planting.
As part of the reauthorization of the NAP program in the 2014 Farm Bill, there were important changes made for producers. Previously, NAP provided coverage based on the amount of loss that exceeds 50 percent of expected production at 55 percent of the average market price of the crop. The 2014 Farm Bill authorizes additional coverage levels ranging from 50 to 65 percent of production, in 5 percent increments at 100 percent of the average market price.
For all coverage levels, the NAP service fee is the lesser of $250 per crop or $750 per producer per administrative county, not to exceed a total of $1,875 for a producer with farming interests in multiple counties.
The additional coverage must be chosen by the producer by the application closing date. The schedule of fees and premiums follow a standard formula. The maximum premium for a producer is $6,562.50 (the maximum payment limitation of $125,000 times a 5.25 percent premium fee).
To provide commercial producers with more information about this important program, a series of educational workshops have been planned. Speakers will be from the Farm Service Agency and Michigan State University Extension. Topics include:
- Eligible producers.
- Eligible crops.
- Eligible causes of loss.
- Coverage levels.
- Service fees and premiums.
- Providing Notice of Loss and applying for payment.
- Information Farm Service Agency uses to calculate payment.
- Payment limitation.
There is no cost for this workshop, but attendees are encouraged to pre-register online. For more information, or to register by phone or email, see the contact information below.
Tuesday, Jan. 27, 1-4 p.m.
Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center
6686 South Center Highway, Traverse City, MI 49684
Contact: Jackie Baase at 231-946-1510
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Hart United Methodist Church
308 South State Street, Hart, MI 49420
Contact: Oceana County Extension at 231-873-2129
Thursday, Feb. 5, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Lapeer Township Community Building
1500 Morris Rd, Lapeer, MI 48446
Contact: Angelique Rooney at 989-758-2500 or rooneya@msu.edu
Friday, Feb. 6, 1-4 p.m.
Fremont District Library
104 East Main, Fremont, MI 49412
Contact: Newaygo County Extension at 231-924-0500
Sponsors are the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, Farm Bureau Insurance, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee and Michigan Wheat Program.
Source:msu.edu