2026 CROP INSURANCE DECISION GUIDE 

THINGS HAVE CHANGED
Missing these changes could cost you in premium savings while leaving gaps in your risk management plan that won’t be adjustable until 2027. 

TOP 6 CHANGES

What are the key things you need to know for your risk management plan decisions:

1. Area-based coverage is now 80% subsidized 
   • What Changed: ECO and SCO premium subsidies increased from 65% to 80%.
   • Why It Matters: These coverages are now significantly less premium (43%) to the producer from last year. 
2. New Product CLIP Announced 
   • What Changed: The new umbrella product offers up to 85% coverage for less money. 
   • Why It Matters: Producers who were previously priced out of 85% levels may now be able to elect higher coverage.
3.  SCO no longer tied to PLC election 
   • What Changed: You can now purchase SCO regardless of whether you elect ARC or PLC. 
   • Why It Matters: For the first time, producers preferring ARC can add SCO. 
4. Premium subsidies increased 3-5% 
   • What Changed: Basic, Optional, and Enterprise Unit subsidies rose at all coverage levels, with the largest increases at the top-end. 
   • Why It Matters: Coverage costs the producer less, between 5-14%, than last year. 
5. Beginning Farmer benefits expanded to 10 years 
   • What Changed: BFR eligibility extended from 5 to 10 crop years.
   • Why It Matters: Longer eligibility with increased premium subsidies means less cost to the producer.
6. Prevented Plant Buy-up eliminated  
   • What Changed: Option to purchase additional PP coverage has been removed.
   • Why It Matters: Producers want to examine how to fill in the coverage gap this creates

Download the FULL 2026 Crop Insurance Decision Guide