USDA Enhances Grape Coverage Options in Michigan and Ohio

(Springfield, Ill., Aug. 31, 2026) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced it is enhancing Federal crop insurance options for grape producers in Michigan and Ohio. Beginning with the 2027 crop year, these updates will expand grape coverage into additional counties across both states and allow producers to receive variety-specific pricing and optional units, rather than relying on the broader type groupings currently in place.

"RMA is committed to ensuring our programs provide the protection producers need," said RMA Administrator Pat Swanson. "We're listening to producers. These enhancements were made in response to local feedback and give Michigan and Ohio grape growers access to pricing that more accurately reflects the value of their individual grape varieties. These changes will improve alignment between coverage options and producers' actual market conditions."

Counties receiving coverage for Native and Hybrid varieties include:

• Michigan: Cass and Kalamazoo
• Ohio: Ashland, Coshocton, Fairfield, Geauga, Holmes, Medina, Sandusky, Stark, Summit and Wayne

Counties receiving coverage for Native, Hybrid, and Vinifera varieties include:

• Michigan: Allegan, Antrim, Benzie, Berrien, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Muskegon, Oceana and Van Buren
• Ohio: Ashtabula, Brown, Erie, Lake and Lorain

Separating grape varieties allows producers to benefit from pricing and yield data specific to each type. As part of these updates, producers will need to maintain individual actual production history (APH) databases for each type and practice.

Producers are encouraged to contact their crop insurance agent for more information. The sales closing date for the grape insurance program in Michigan and Ohio is Nov. 20, 2026.

More Information

RMA secures the future of agriculture by providing world class risk management tools to rural America through Federal crop insurance and risk management education programs. RMA provides policies for more than 130 crops and is constantly working to adjust and create new policies based on producer needs and feedback.

Contact a crop insurance agent to see how Federal crop insurance can meet the specific needs of your operation. Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available online at the RMA Agent Locator. Producers can learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at rma.usda.gov or by contacting their RMA Regional Office. RMA's Basics for Beginners provides information for those new to crop insurance.

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