Maturity and crush are a few months off; however it is not too early to think about protecting your businesses investment in the 2012 crop. Though the deadline to sign up for federal crop insurance on wine grapes is still a ways off, we thought it was time for a quick refresher on what is covered.  Our friendly staff is here to serve your needs and answer any questions you may have.  Give us a call.

What Are Your Options?

Multi-Peril Crop Insurance (MPCI) - Insures a percentage of your average yield from losses due to natural perils such as hail, frost, freeze, wind, drought, and excess moisture.  This also covers failure of irrigation water supply due to a named peril, naturally occurring fires, insects, plant disease and wildlife.

Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) - Insures a percentage of your annual revenue from loss due to natural causes and/or market fluctuations.  This program includes income from agricultural commodities, animals, and animal products. It is great for growers that have a mix of insurable and non-insurable crops such as grapes, olives and pomegranates because it looks at whole farm revenue.

Did you know that?

Insurance Value of Grapes- The standard insurance value or price for each grape variety is based upon your individual crush district.

Contract Prices - If all of one variety is under contract for 2012, you can often have your insurance policy match the contracted price for added piece of mind.

 Now answer these questions to find out if you need Crop Insurance!

1. What are the potential causes of loss?

2. What are the major risks to my crop; frost, heat, rain?

3. What is the likelihood of them occurring?

4. Do I have a farm loan

5. Does my lender require some level of insurance before funds are provided?

6. Objectives -

           6A - What do I want my crop insurance to do in a BAD year? (cover production costs, provide security to make marketing decisions, give me peace of mind)

           6B - What do I want my crop insurance to do in a GOOD year? (guarantee loan collateral, provide security to make marketing decisions, add confidence to my farming decisions, increase my opportunity for profit)

7. Financial considerations

8. What is my variable cost of production?

9. How much can I afford to lose and still stay in business?

10. Additional business considerations

11. Does my landlord/partner/etc. have adequate insurance coverage on their portion of exposure?

12. What is my plan to cover expenses if I don’t buy crop insurance and the crop fails?

All of these questions and more can be answered by our knowledgeable staff here at Alta Vista Insurance! Please visit our Crop Insurance page today or call us at 877.410.9099 and we’ll take care of all your needs and wants!