FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dale Ihry (701) 893-2216 dale.ihry@nd.usda.gov

Release No. 2013.02

FARGO, N.D., February 19, 2013 – Aaron Krauter, State Executive Director of North Dakota's USDA Farm Service Agency reminds producers to purchase FSA's Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program coverage for noninsurable crops. "Crop insurance is an important risk management tool for farmers, but it's not available for all crops. That's why NAP is so important," said Krauter.

NAP is a federally funded program that provides coverage to producers for noninsurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory or prevented planting occurs due to natural disasters. Crops eligible for NAP coverage are those for which crop insurance is not available, including fruits and vegetables, aquaculture, turf grass and forage crops.

"Producers must apply for coverage before a disaster strikes," continued Krauter. "Like regular crop insurance, once an application period closes, the opportunity to obtain coverage is passed." The application closing date for spring planted crops is March 15, 2013. In order to enroll, producers need to contact the local FSA Office where they farm.

More information about NAP and where to find your local USDA service Center can be found at www.fsa.usda.gov

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