USDA Will Expand Olive Crop Insurance in California
The Risk Management Agency is adding coverage for growers in four California counties for the 2027 crop year.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Agriculture
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Beginning with the 2027 crop year, the USDA Risk Management Agency will expand its olive insurance program to include Alameda, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Yuba counties. This update offers growers utilizing high density and super high density practices new risk management options.
Why it matters
The expansion supports specialty crop producers by providing improved financial protection for olive operations. Growers will also be permitted to use their own contract prices when securing their insurance policies.
The USDA is extending olive insurance coverage to four additional California counties, bringing the total number of crops with available insurance policies to 130. The sales closing date for this expanded program is January 31, 2027.
The players
USDA Risk Management Agency
This federal agency operates under the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is responsible for providing risk management tools to American farmers.
The details
Farmers can now insure high density and super high density olive crops by working through private crop insurance agents. Producers seeking to participate should contact their local RMA Regional Office or utilize the official agent locator tool to modify or apply for coverage.
Timeline
The policy changes apply starting with the 2027 crop year.
The sales closing date for the Olive crop insurance program is January 31, 2027.
Market Landscape
The expansion follows the administrative framework established by the Federal Crop Insurance Act, which directs the agency to increase coverage options for specialty agricultural sectors. This move positions the USDA to better support the evolving needs of specialty crop producers in a competitive market.
Local olive producers in the affected counties can now better shield their operations from financial loss by electing to use contract prices for coverage. Growers should contact private insurance agents or their regional RMA office to finalize policy modifications before the January deadline.
The takeaway
This federal policy update provides California olive growers with necessary tools to manage production risks in specialized high-density systems. Interested farmers should begin the application process well ahead of the January 31, 2027, deadline to ensure they meet program requirements.
What happens next
The sales closing date for growers to secure coverage for the 2027 crop year is January 31, 2027.
Further reading
For additional updates on industry-wide changes, visit our Agriculture section.
More information
Find program details and application requirements at the USDA crop insurance information portal.
Live Poll
Should the government expand crop insurance options to cover more specialty produce types?
