Agricultural producers can now change election and enroll in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2023 crop year, two key safety net programs offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Signups began Oct. 24, and producers have until March 15, 2023 to enroll in these two programs. Additionally, USDA’s Farm Service Agency has started issuing payments totaling more than $255 million to producers with 2021 crops that triggered payments through ARC or PLC.

“It’s that time of year for producers to consider all of their risk management options, including safety-net coverage elections through Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux. “We recognize that market prices have generally been very good, but if the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, frequent catastrophic weather events and the Ukraine war have taught us anything, it’s that we must prepare for the unexpected. ”

Producers can elect cove...