USDA Unveils Major Crop Insurance Reforms for 2026

(Washington, D.C., December 5, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has announced significant updates to federal crop insurance aimed at easing regulatory burdens for farmers, modernizing policies, and enhancing access to vital risk protection. These changes are set to take effect for the 2026 crop year as part of the Expanding Access to Risk Protection (EARP) Final Rule.

“President Trump is cutting burdensome regulations and strengthening the farm safety net to ensure the future viability of American agriculture,” stated Secretary Rollins. “With this new rule, we are delivering meaningful relief by streamlining the system, expanding crop insurance access, and ensuring farmers can protect their operations effectively.”

Key Changes to Federal Crop Insurance

Reducing Regulatory Burdens

Recent reforms focus on simplifying complex regulations, allowing farmers easier access to the necessary protections. Key updates include:

• Prevented Planting Relief: The “insured” requirement is removed from the “1 in 4” rule for prevented planting payments, provided the land was previously planted and harvested within the last four years.
• Streamlined Production Reporting: Farmers switching Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) can now submit production reports directly to their new provider, minimizing confusion.
• Expanding Direct Marketing Options: Fresh market tomatoes and peppers will be included under the Dollar Plan beginning in the 2027 crop year.
• Simplified Dispute Resolution: Dispute resolution moves from an administrative to a judicial process, easing burdens on policyholders.
• Deregulating Coverage Dates: Coverage dates will no longer be set federal regulations, allowing for county-level updates.

Additional Policy Updates

Further measures include:

• Implementation of One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA): Extends eligibility for beginning farmers from five to ten years and revises premium subsidy rates.
• Clarifications on Revenue Protection: Establishes procedures for setting harvest prices and reimbursement for impacted policyholders.
• Crop-Specific Improvements: Adjustments to end of insurance periods and alignment with growing seasons for specific crops, such as fresh market tomatoes and safflower.

Effective Dates and Public Comment Period

The EARP Final Rule took effect on November 30, 2025, affecting crops with a contract change date thereafter. The USDA is accepting public comments until January 27, 2026. Interested parties can submit their thoughts through this link.

Learn More

Producers are encouraged to reach out to their local crop insurance agents or visit the RMA website for guidance on how these reforms will impact their coverage options. The Risk Management Agency (RMA) supports American agriculture by providing essential risk management tools through federal crop insurance and continuously adapting policies based on producer feedback.

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