Agricultural producers who have not yet enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage programs for the 2024 crop year have until March 15 to revise elections and sign contracts.

Both safety-net programs, delivered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency, provide income support to farmers who experience substantial declines in crop prices or revenues for the 2024 crop year.

In New York, producers have completed 16,592 contracts to date, representing 74 percent of the more than 22,540 expected contracts.

“Agriculture Risk Coverage or Price Loss Coverage programs provide excellent risk protection, for market declines, at no cost to the producer. While we always hope for strong markets, anyone involved in production agriculture knows, the only thing certain is uncertainty,” said Jim Barber, State Executive Director for FSA in New York, in a release from the U..s. Department of Agriculture.

“Many producers may be holding off on making your program elections pending planting decisions or maybe you’re working with a local advisor to consider how changes in the effective reference price might impact your election decisions,” Barber went on. “Please contact your local FSA county office as soon as possible to set an appointment so you’re on the books well in advance of the March 15 deadline.” 

The closest FSA office to Albany County is in Schoharie County at 108 Holiday Way, with a phone number of 518-295-8600.