Insuring Peace Of Mind For Citrus Growers

Covered losses for fruit insurance include damage due to freeze, hurricane, tornado, and fire, and for fresh fruit, winds exceeding 58 mph. Coverage levels have increased on Late Oranges(+13%), Grapefruit(+15%), Tangerines(+15%), Temples(+15%), and Navels(+!5%), while Murcott and Tangelo values have either decreased or remained the same.

Premium rates have remained the same for most varieties. The closing date for citrus fruit is April 1; applications and acreage reports must be signed and dated on or before this date. In recent years, the grower has been required a Pre-Acceptance Worksheet, a self-certification form for reporting the number of trees by age and variety within a grove.

For the first time in several years, citrus tree values are up from $47 for a mature producing tree (6 years+) last year to $54 this year, while Stage I trees (0 to 3 years) are $22 and Stage II trees (3 to 6 years) are at $42. All tree quantities must be reported by variety as follows:
– Early/mid orange trees – Late orange trees
– Navel trees – Temple trees
– Murcott trees – Tangelo trees
– Tangerine trees – Red/pink grapefruit trees
– White grapefruit trees

Both citrus fruit and tree policies offer a wide range of coverage levels, from 15% to 50% deductibles for fruit and 25% to 50% deductibles for trees. With fruit prices at all-time highs and weather-related perils continuing to threaten crops, we strongly recommend to growers 50/100 level of coverage with the *OLO (Occurrence Loss Option) for trees and at least 75/100 (25% deductible) on fruit policies. With the unprecedented high prices our crop now demands, these coverage levels offer what we believe to be an extremely affordable way to protect citrus crops against the weather risks we face.

Contact your crop insurance agent for more details about the 2012 crop coverage.