Study of Feasibility of Insuring Swine Producers For a Catastrophic Disease Event

April 1, 2015 — 

USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) has contracted with Agralytica, a food and agriculture consulting firm in Alexandria, Virginia, to assess the likelihood of successfully developing an insurance plan for a catastrophic swine disease event, and to recommend the type of insurance plan that would provide protection to meet the needs of producers. The feasibility study is required by The Agricultural Act of 2014, otherwise known as the farm bill.

Agralytica staff will be holding listening sessions in selected states for swine producers and insurance company staff, agents, adjusters, lenders, veterinarians, and other interested parties. The aim is to get feedback on the swine disease risks faced by producers, methods currently used to mitigate risk from disease outbreaks, and the need for an additional insurance plan to meet risk management needs. In addition, anyone can call or e-mail Agralytica at the coordinates below if they wish to comment on the program.

The input of pork producers, insurance providers, and others involved in the sector is vital for us to successfully evaluate the need for and feasibility of creating a new insurance plan. Details on the last of four state listening sessions is as follows:

Thursday April 2
10:00-12:00 AM
Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center
Room 1126
2516 Mortensen Road
Ames, Iowa 50011
Phone: 515-294-4950

Email comments: Tom Earley (tearley@agralytica.com); Andre Williamson (awilliamson@agralytica.com)

Phone comments: 703-739-9090 (Earley x113; Williamson x121)