Key Takeaways
- Delaware’s new Agricultural Production Insurance Assistance Program provides 30% premium reductions for 2025 crop insurance plans, with a maximum of $10 per covered acre.
- Farmers with eligible 2024 policies for multi-peril crop insurance, Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP), or livestock insurance will automatically receive reduced premiums.
- Delaware farmers held 2,440 crop insurance policies in 2024, covering 309,873 acres and receiving $9.14 million in indemnities.
- The program was created through bipartisan legislation (HB 87) and aims to support farmers in managing risk and improving financial security.
- Producers should contact their insurance agents to understand premium reductions and plan for future coverage.
Delaware Introduces Crop Insurance Assistance for 2025
The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA), in coordination with the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA), has launched the Delaware Agricultural Production Insurance Assistance Program. This initiative will help reduce crop insurance costs for farmers by offering a 30% reduction on 2025 insurance premiums for producers who had an eligible plan in 2024. The discount is capped at $10 per covered acre and applies to multi-peril crop insurance, Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP), and livestock insurance.
Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Don Clifton highlighted the program’s significance, stating: “This type of crop insurance program is unique in that it was a bipartisan effort that originated in Delaware to help protect Delaware producers and our agriculture industry. This program is based upon a farmer’s choices in their risk management strategy and helping them select the right insurance plan for protecting their revenue.”
Insurance Cost Reduction for Delaware Farmers
Crop insurance is an essential farm safety net, shielding producers from weather, environmental, and economic risks that can lead to low yields and financial instability. Given the rising cost of agricultural production, Delaware’s new program provides relief by helping farmers afford better coverage options.
For the 2024 crop year, Delaware farmers held:
- 2,440 crop insurance policies covering 309,873 acres.
- Received $9.14 million in indemnities for crop losses.
Farmers who had a 2024 insurance policy will automatically receive the premium reduction in their 2025 crop insurance plans. Those without coverage in 2024 can still enroll now for 2025 to become eligible for the discount on their 2026 premiums.
DDA encourages farmers to contact their insurance agents to discuss cost savings and coverage options.
Program Background & Next Steps for Farmers
The Delaware Agricultural Production Insurance Assistance Program was created through HB 87 and signed into law in 2024.
- Catastrophic risk protection policies are not eligible for this discount.
- DDA expects farmers to reinvest savings into expanded coverage, increasing farm financial stability.
- Farmers should check with their insurance providers for guidance on maximizing benefits from the program.
