Biotech Yield Endorsement replaced

Feb 17, 2009      Mt. Vernon Register-News

Feb. 17, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- SPRINGFIELD -- The USDA Risk Management Agency has announced the Pilot Biotech Yield Endorsement has been replaced by the Biotechnology Endorsement.

The endorsement expands coverage to additional triple stack technologies that enhance protection against above-ground lepidopteron pests and below-ground corn rootworm damage, and confer tolerance to certain herbicides. For the 2009 crop year, the BE program is available in all counties in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio -- depending on the particular hybrid selected -- for non-irrigated corn for grain.

The BE pilot program will provide a premium rate reduction for participating producers who plant qualifying corn hybrids. The producer is required to purchase a buy-up level of coverage within an actual production history, crop revenue coverage or a revenue assurance plan of insurance, plant at least 75 percent of their insured corn acres in a unit to the qualifying hybrid.

The associated plan of insurance must be purchased by the spring crop sales closing date of March 15. Since the March 15 sales closing date falls on a Sunday, the insurance application will be accepted through the next business day.

Producers are encouraged to contact their agent for information and assistance with their crop insurance needs and questions on the Biotechnology Endorsement. Information on BE may also be found at the RMA Web site at www.rma.usda.gov/pi-lots/2009pilot.html.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0392-31892428

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