SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — According to the Risk Management Agency, the Pilot Biotech Yield Endorsement has been replaced by the Biotechnology Endorsement (BE).
Expands coverage
This endorsement expands coverage to additional triple stack technologies that enhance protection against above-ground lepidopteron pests and below-ground corn rootworm damage, and confer tolerance to certain herbicides.
For the 2009 crop year, the BE program is available in all counties in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio (depending on the particular hybrid selected) for non-irrigated corn for grain.
The program will provide a premium rate reduction for participating producers who plant qualifying corn hybrids.
Requirements
The producer is required to purchase a buy-up level of coverage within an Actual Production History, Crop Revenue Coverage, or a Revenue Assurance plan of insurance, and plant at least 75 percent of their insured corn acres in a unit to the qualifying hybrid.
Deadline
The associated plan of insurance must be purchased by the spring crop sales closing date of March 15. Since that date falls on a Sunday, the insurance application will be accepted through the next business day.
Producers can contact their agent for information and assistance with their crop insurance needs and questions on the Biotechnology Endorsement.
Learn more
Information on BE may also be found at www.rma.usda.gov/pilots/2009pilot.html.
