USDA Cuts Red Tape, Expands Crop Insurance Access for 2026
New federal rules streamline requirements and modernize policies to strengthen farm safety net nationwide.
WASHINGTON DC - Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced sweeping changes to federal crop insurance Friday, eliminating burdensome regulations and expanding coverage options for farmers and ranchers beginning with the 2026 crop year. The Expanding Access to Risk Protection Final Rule removes red tape across multiple crops while strengthening risk protection tools that cover more than 130 agricultural products nationwide.
The changes include removing the "insured" requirement from prevented planting payments, allowing farmers to submit production reports directly to new insurance providers, and extending beginning farmer eligibility from five to 10 years with enhanced premium subsidies. Additional updates expand direct marketing options for specialty crops in northeastern states and streamline dispute resolution by shifting fact-finding authority from federal administrators to courts. The rule takes effect for crops with contract change dates on or after Nov. 30, 2025, with public comments accepted through Jan. 27, 2026.
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