Farmers reminded of June 1 deadline for crop insurance

U.S. Rep. Dan Benishek (R-MI) reminded farmers on Wednesday that they must complete form AD-1026 by June 1 to qualify for crop insurance.

The form is available at local U.S. Department of Agriculture service centers or online at www.fsa.usda.gov/AD1026form.

As a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, Benishek helped write the 2014 Farm Bill, which gave specialty crop farmers expanded access to crop insurance. It required all growers to meet conservation compliance requirements to maintain eligibility for crop insurance subsidies. These requirements are intended to help reduce soil erosion and protect wetlands in agricultural areas.

Benishek said a number of specialty farmers in his district could benefit from the insurance program.

"Agriculture brings jobs to our community, and I am committed to ensuring that this section of our economy remains strong," Benishek said.

The Michigan Farm Bureau also encouraged farmers to participate.

"If land is not covered by a Highly Erodible Land Conservation and Wetland Conservation Certification form (AD-1026) filed with the USDA Service Center by that date, farmers will become ineligible for premium support for federal crop insurance and other programs, Laura Campbell, manager of the AG Ecology Department for the Michigan Farm Bureau, said. "If farmers are looking for additional information, we encourage them to visit our website for details."