01/24/05 AGR Lite available to Idaho producers

Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Alaska now have Adjusted Gross Revenue Insurance. AGR Lite provides coverage for many crops and livestock products not previously covered by a crop insurance program. PAUL "Essentially AGR Lite provides insurance protection for loss of revenue from the sale of ag commodities produced during the insurance period due to unavoidable natural disasters such as drought, hail, freeze or excess precipitation. Also it provides protection from market fluctuations or price decline." Dave Paul of the USDA Risk Management Office in Spokane says the signup deadline for AGR Lite insurance in January 31st . Producers also have to determine the percentage of their Adjusted Gross Revenue that they want to guarantee. PAUL  "The options range from 65 percent coverage at a 75 percent payment rate all the way to 80 percent coverage on a 90 percent payment rate. Coverage level selections are dependent on the number of qualifying commodities on the producers intended commodity report." The addition of AGR Lite with other commodity insurance programs gives Idaho and the Northwest a federally subsidized insurance program that covers almost all commodities and communities. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott