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For Immediate Release Deadline for Crop Insurance for Spring Planted Crops ApproachingCommonwealth farmers urged to enroll HARRISBURG – Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Chairman Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster) is encouraging farmers in Pennsylvania to enroll in crop insurance. Producers have until March 17 to enroll for 2008 spring planted crops. "Crop insurance is an invaluable tool for our Commonwealth's farmers," Brubaker said. "Producers who utilize this coverage can help protect their livelihoods and businesses, and in turn, the vitality and success of our state's number one industry." Brubaker noted that crop price instability, the rising cost of production and adverse weather can damage a farmer's bottom line, making it essential that they have a way to recover financially and start preparing for the next growing season. "In addition, Pennsylvania offers assistance to make coverage more affordable through the state Crop Insurance Assistance Program, which is a partnership between the General Assembly, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the crop insurance industry, farmers and the Department of Agriculture," Brubaker said. The Program has $1.5 million available to help offset 2008 crop insurance premiums. Producers will receive premium discounts of approximately 5 percent of their net premiums. In the last five years, $140 million in crop insurance loss payments have been paid to producers, compared to $44 million in paid premiums – a more than $3 return on every dollar invested. "I encourage all farmers to take advantage of crop insurance coverage and the assistance available through the state," Brubaker said. More information on crop insurance is available by calling Karen Powell at the state Department of Agriculture at 717-705-9511, or by visiting www.agriculture.state.pa.us/cropinsurance. To locate a local risk management agency, visit the USDA Risk Management Agency at www.rma.usda.gov.
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