The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced significant changes to federal crop insurance aimed at reducing regulatory burdens and expanding risk protection for farmers starting with the 2026 crop year.
The Expanding Access to Risk Protection (EARP) Final Rule streamlines requirements across multiple crops, responding directly to producer feedback. It removes outdated rules, simplifies reporting, and offers more flexible policy provisions.
Key changes include removing the “insured” requirement from the “1 in 4” rule for prevented planting payments, allowing producers to submit production reports directly when switching insurance providers, and expanding direct marketing options for fresh market tomatoes and peppers starting in 2027.
The rule also shifts dispute resolution authority to courts, reducing administrative hurdles, and deregulates coverage dates to allow county-level flexibility.
Additional updates extend eligibility for beginning farmers and ranchers from five to ten years, clarify revenue protection rules, and adjust crop-specific insurance periods to better match growing seasons.
The rule took effect Nov. 30, 2025, and USDA will accept public comments until Jan. 27, 2026. Farmers are encouraged to contact local insurance agents or visit the Risk Management Agency website for details on how these changes may affect their coverage.
