In recent years, grape growers have faced a number of challenges, particularly with regard to weather conditions and natural hazards. Many vineyards have experienced severe losses, reduced revenues and faced the uncertain future of their operations.
In response to the ongoing challenges faced by vineyard operators, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the launch of a new grapevine insurance program to provide coverage for loss of vines caused by natural hazards such as freezes or wildfires. Typically, crop insurance policies cover the loss of grapes, and the wine or juice produced from those grapes; however, the vines themselves were not protected.
This new program offers coverage against the loss of productive grapevines, which can take years to re-establish. The policy will cover losses when vines are dead or so badly damaged that they cannot recover in the following 12 months. The program covers freeze, fire, hail and flood.
The deadline to apply for the new Grapevine program is November 1, 2023 for the 2024 season, and it is available in select counties in California, Idaho, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington.
To determine if you are eligible for this coverage and if it is the right solution for your operation, contact a HUB agribusiness advisor.