Project Overview
Our project dealt with the production risk that specialty crop, small scale diversified, direct marketing, and organic farmers, many of whom are "historically underserved," face annually without adequate insurance policies. This was a "proof of concept;" it assessed whether USDA's new Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP), including the Micro Farm policy, and the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), provided a net benefit for the intended farmers. We had 32 farmers apply to be considered for the 15 spots on the grant; we ended up compensating and working with 11 farmers. Farm business management consultants analyzed farmers’ records to determine whether the policies worked for the farmers. Results from the claims will be known after the grant closing date but will be included in the final report. Curated current results were shared on numerous listservs and via virtual conferences, reaching over 5,000 participants. The focus of this grant shifted once the restrictive parameters of the "new & improved" policies became apparent: they aren't even available to farmers until they are in at best their 4th year of farming, and then the formula works against them due to the drag of low sales in the first years.
Number of Participants: 50
PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS
There are no promotional materials available for this project.
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
There are no educational materials available for this project.
REPORTS & EVALUATIONS
There are no reports or evaluations available for this project.