Reminder: November 20 Crop Insurance Deadline for Perennial Fruit Crops

CORTLAND, N.Y. — Northeast fruit growers have until November 20, 2026, to purchase or update crop insurance coverage for the 2027 crop year. Growers are encouraged to contact their Crop Growers agent well before the deadline to review available coverage.

Insurable perennial crops include apples, peaches, grapes, cranberries, blueberries, pears and cherries. Coverage availability varies by county, so please review the information available at CropGrowers.com, or contact a Crop Growers agent. 

Growers may also have options to supplement their underlying crop insurance policy through the Supplemental Coverage Option or Enhanced Coverage Option. The Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) may provide up to 90% yield protection for area-based losses. The Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) now includes apples, blueberries and grapes, with increased premium support. Both SCO and ECO options must be added at the sales closing date of your underlying crop insurance policy.

Growers who are renewing coverage should report to their crop insurance agent any changes in their business, such as bringing a new member into the business or forming an LLC or corporation. 

The crop insurance program can be an important component of a farm’s risk management plan. Weather fluctuations and market volatility are major risks for crop producers. Crop insurance helps producers manage these risks by providing protection against losses caused by hail, wind, frost, excess moisture, drought, disease, insects or wildlife.

"Crop Growers agents are more than crop insurance specialists,” said Kelsey Linder, Crop Insurance Senior Advisor. “We serve as trusted risk management advisors helping producers evaluate risk, understand available tools and make informed decisions that protect their operations and support long-term business goals.”

Crop Growers, owned by Farm Credit East, sells and services crop insurance for 35 different crops throughout an eight-state territory. Producers do not need to be a Farm Credit customer to purchase crop insurance. Fruit growers should contact their Crop Growers agent or call the Crop Growers Customer Service Center at 1-800-234-7012 to review coverage options before the November 20 deadline. 

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