Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 2/7/20

The department is expanding insurance options for hemp farmers, launching two programs on Thursday that protect the crop from natural disasters. Farmers could already get coverage through the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection plan, which is typically used for diversified fruit and vegetable operations. Taken together, these programs will reduce some of the risks of farming a brand new crop.

Under a new pilot, hemp farmers in certain counties across 21 states can purchase protection against yield losses from certain weather disasters. To be eligible, growers must have planted hemp for at least a year and have a contract for its sale. There also is a minimum requirement of five acres for hemp grown for CBD and 20 acres for hemp harvested to be used as grain or fiber.

Growers can also enroll in Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program coverage, which protects against losses due to lower yields, destroyed crops or being prevented from putting a crop in the ground because of weather conditions. It applies for the 2020 crop year. The deadline to sign up for both programs is March 16.