FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: SCOTT LUCAS 919-875-4880

USDA ANNOUNCES CROP INSURANCE DEADLINE FOR NC NURSERY.

North Carolina nursery producers should be aware that the final date for a new applicant to apply for the 2007 nursery crop insurance is May 1, 2006, according to the Raleigh Regional Office, USDA Risk Management Agency. New applications for crop year 2007 may be accepted until May 1, 2006, with coverage beginning 30 days after receipt of your signed application. If a policy is purchased after May 1st, insurance attaches 30 days after the application is filed and the premium is prorated based on the time remaining in the crop year after insurance attaches. For existing policies, coverage will automatically attach on June 1, 2006. The crop insurance year runs from June 1 through May 31. Growers may elect to insure field-grown or container grown practices; one practice may be insured under the CAT policy and the other practice may be insured under a buy-up policy. Crop insurance provides protection for field-grown and containerized nursery plants against losses due to adverse weather conditions, fire, failure of irrigation water supply, and wildlife. Insurance premium subsidies have been significantly increased in recent years, particularly at the higher levels of coverage. Producers are strongly urged to contact a local crop insurance agent as soon as possible for a premium quote and additional details. For a list of crop insurance agents in your area, contact the local USDA Farm Service Agency office or logon to the following Risk Management Agency web site: http://www3.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents/

March 22, 2006

The Risk Management Agency Administers

And Oversees All Programs Authorized Under

The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation

An Equal Opportunity Employer

United States Department of Agriculture

Risk

Management

Agency

Raleigh

Regional Office

4407 Bland Road,

Suite 160

Raleigh, NC 27609