The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is implementing a broad modernization of the federal crop insurance program. The new Expanding Access to Risk Protection (EARP) program, effective from the 2026 crop year, aims to reduce administrative burdens, expand insurance options, and better align with the practices of crop and livestock farmers nationwide. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced this Friday.
According to Rollins, the reform aligns with the Trump administration's efforts to eliminate regulations and ease the burden on the agricultural sector. "With this new rule, we're modernizing the system, increasing access to crop insurance, and making it easier for farmers and ranchers to protect their businesses," Rollins said. "We'll continue to put Farmers First, every step of the way."
A key element of the new rules is the reduction of administrative obligations. The so-called "1-in-4" rule is being relaxed. Farmers no longer need to demonstrate that their plots were insured in previous years, but they will be required to demonstrate that they were sown and harvested in at least one of the four preceding years. This should broaden access to crop insurance. Farmers who switch insurers can submit their production reports directly to the new insurer. This should prevent confusion and duplicated administration.
The novice farmer status will be extended from five to ten crop years. Premium discounts will be adjusted to 15% (years 1-2), 13% (year 3), 11% (year 4), and 10% (years 5-10). The Risk Management Agency (RMA) offers insurance solutions for over 130 crops and regularly adjusts policies based on producer feedback.