With the recent discovery of Coffee Leaf Rust on Maui, growers are encouraged to take a close look at USDA’s Risk Management Agency crop insurance program for Coffee Trees. The tree insurance policy includes coverage for trees lost due to disease when proper control measures are used, as a covered peril. Growers would need to provide tree counts and spacing, date and location planted. Trees planted before December 31 are eligible for coverage the following year, and the application deadline is December 31, 2020
The basic coverage levels pay once the insured tree loss exceeds the deductible of 50% – 75%. Add-on options improve coverage to include payouts once tree loss exceeds 3% and additional lump sum payments made once dead trees are removed and then replanted within 2 years. Premiums are subsidized by the USDA and can be estimated by going to http://www.rma.usda.gov or contacting your agent.
Agent Bonnie Lind has been working with coffee growers since the program was released in 2007, and can provide a quote for your farm via email at bonnielind@agsecure.com or calling 888-276-7728.
Thank you!
Bonnie-Bonnie L. Lind, Agent
More information on Hawai’i Crop Programs: https://lindinsuranceservices.com/hawaii-crop-programs/