The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops. This program protects against crop losses from natural disasters, weather affecting crop planting, or lower yields. NAP coverage starts when the participating crop has at least a 50% expected production loss due to an eligible cause. Eligible crops must be commercially produced agricultural commodities for which crop insurance is not available.
NAP will partially cover losses related to crop production, but not losses to the actual plant. For example, if a NAP-covered strawberry field experienced extreme damage due to an extreme drought, NAP payments would only cover the loss of income due to reduced production — not the damage to the strawberry plant itself.
There are several types of NAP Coverage including Basic and Buy-Up. Socially Disadvantaged Farmers (SDF) are eligible (which includes veteran farmers with less than ten years of farming) to have their premiums costs reduced and a service fee waiver. This may make this program virtually free for some farmers (with just the investment of time in reporting being the cost) to receive coverage.
Farmers will need to work with their local FSA office to participate in this program. It’s important to have a Farm Number, understand reporting requirements, coverage dates, and how to report a loss. NAP application closing dates vary by crop and state.
If you’re interested in learning more about Farm Service Agency programs, contact Kate@farmvetco.org or call (254)-265-7158.
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