Education Programs Risk Management Agency Craig Witt Risk Management Education Director March 27, 2003

Risk Management Agency Established in 1996 from Federal Crop Insurance Corporation. Operate the Federal Crop Insurance Program in partnership with private insurance companies. Relatively small USDA agency –10 Regional Offices –6 Compliance Offices –Research and Development Office

Key Developments RMA program established in 1997 ARPA passed in 2000 –Substantial research and education funding –Authorization of innovative programs, i.e. livestock insurance –Higher crop insurance subsidies –Stronger compliance 2002 Farm Bill Secretary Veneman’s special emphasis on risk management

Federal Crop Insurance Coverage Liability - $ billions

Risk Management Education Programs Commodity Partnerships Targeted States Agricultural Management Assistance Operated DOPP through 12/31/02 Coordinate with RMA Outreach Support the CSREES program Coordinate with Risk Management Research activities

Common Features: Commodity Partnerships”and “Targeted States” Awarded Competitively Cooperative Agreements - Not Grants –substantial involvement of RMA Tasks –Finalize RME delivery plan –Assemble instructional materials –Conduct promotion program –Conduct education activities –Document results

“Commodity Partnerships” National Scope Education emphasis on Production, Marketing, and Financial Priority for producers of: –Crops not covered by crop insurance –Specialty crops –Under-served commodities Funding determined by RMA administrator Agreements for $3.7 million

“Targeted States” Restricted to 15 States (12 NE and 3 Mountain States) Restricted to Crop Insurance Supported by the Agricultural Management Assistance program Funding up to $5 million per year Agreements for $1.8 million

Program Results Substantial partnering among key stakeholders. More than 49,000 producers reached during Documented increase in producer awareness of risk management tools and their use. Documented increase in the use of risk management tools, especially crop insurance. (i.e. Targeted States insurance coverage will exceed $1 b for the first time in 2003) Success stories (i.e. Pennsylvania)