With the June 1 signup for the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) Program fast approaching, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) once again urges growers to review the program and determine if it make sense for their operation. Last week, NCGA cosponsored a webinar to advise growers how to assess how well this innovative farm safety net protected crop revenue for 2009 and how to discover its potential usefulness in 2010-2012. Guests included Farm Service Agency ACRE expert Brent Orr and Ohio State University Economist Carl Zulauf.
The ACRE Program, adopted by Congress in the 2008 Farm Bill, represents a fundamental reform in U.S. farm policy. With rising input costs, greater market volatility and other operational challenges, this program provides an additional risk management tool for producers. While federal crop insurance offers substantial protection for crop failure, ACRE is intended to address less significant losses not adequately covered by insurance or disaster assistance programs.
For additional resources on the ACRE program, visit the NCGA website.