An important deadline is quickly approaching for growers of fruits and vegetables. The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) administered by the USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA), provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops to protect against natural disasters. There are no late-file provisions for NAP; if the Feb 28, 2023, deadline is missed, coverage cannot be obtained for 2023.
The deadline is Tuesday, February 28, to obtain NAP coverage for the following 2023 crops: artichokes, asparagus, basil, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cantaloupe, Chinese bitter melon, sweet & pop corn, cucumbers, eggplant, hemp, honeydew, kenaf, kohlrabi, Korean golden melon, leeks, millet, okra, peas, peppers, pumpkins, radishes, sorghum, sprite melon, squash, sunflowers, sweet potatoes, tomatillos, tomatoes, and watermelon
Basic coverage is $325 per crop or $825 for all crops in a county, not to exceed $1950 per multi-county producer for all crops in all counties. Producers can cover all crops or only their most valuable ones. Buy-up coverage is also available.
Basic NAP coverage is available at no charge for the following:
- New & beginning farmers (farmed less than 10 years)
- Limited resource farmers
- Socially disadvantaged farmers (Alaskan Natives, African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, Native Hawaiians, Hispanics, women)
- Qualifying veteran farmers (must have served in the Armed Forces; farmed less than 10 years; gained veteran status in the most recent 10 years)
Learn more about NAP program details: fsa_nap_noninsuredcropdisasterassistance_factsheet_2023.pdf (usda.gov)
Growers can contact their local Farm Service Agency (FSA) office for more details. Producers in Buncombe County are served by the Madison-Buncombe FSA Office. Madison-Buncombe FSA Office: 828-649-2712
Part-time hours are offered by FSA in Asheville each Wednesday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at 160 Zillicoa Street. The Asheville number is 828-254-0916 ext 2.
