(NAFB) – Because of the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the USDA is extending program flexibilities to Approved Insurance Providers and agricultural producers until June 30 or later. These flexibilities had been scheduled to expire this month.

“Our priority is to keep our producers and partners as safe as possible, while, at the same time, continuing to provide the best service we can,” says Marcia Bunger, administrator of the Risk Management Agency. “These unique times call for everyone to be as cautious and flexible as possible.”

Flexibilities include allowing notifications to get sent electronically, including policy-related information over the phone or by other electronic methods to select policy elections by sales closing, acreage reporting, and production reporting dates, including options, endorsements, and their forms.

Producers may choose to sign forms electronically or do so within 60 days. Producers may also submit a request for a written agreement after the sales closing date.