An afternoon field day on Sunday, June 28, will inform producers about new options available to insure a more diverse range of crops and livestock through the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection Program, or WFRP. The event will take place from 2:00-5:00 p.m., beginning with a presentation at the Bremer County ISU Extension office in Tripoli, at 720 7th Avenue SW.

After a presentation by crop insurance expert Jeff Schahczenski, with the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), the group will proceed to Genuine Faux Farm nearby, where Rob and Tammy Faux will host the group for a tour, more discussion and refreshments.

Iowa and Midwest producers had their first chance to sign up for the new Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) crop insurance program in early 2015. A relatively small number of producers opted to participate in this region. Numbers were much greater in other areas, where similar products have been available prior to the new WFRP crop insurance program, created under the 2014 Farm Bill.

“We want to make sure that Midwestern farmers have the best information to consider this new program that expands insurance options for specialty crops, organic, and diversified crop and livestock producers,” says Schahczenski, NCAT Agriculture Policy and Funding Research Director.

Producer Rob Faux says, “As the owner/operator of a small, diversified farming operation, I am curious to know how this new program for Whole Farm Revenue Protection may or may not be appropriate for my operation. I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn along with other interested persons during this field day”

The Genuine Faux Farm is in its 11th year of operation as a small, diversified operation that features vegetable and poultry production.  Most of the vegetable production is targeted for a 120-member CSA farm share and poultry products are sold direct to consumer.  The farm adheres to organic growing principles and works to sell product within 50 miles of the farm's location.  Rob and Tammy believe in diversity in their farm environment as well as their farm production.  The Genuine Faux Farm uses intercropping techniques, cover crops and participates in on-farm research. The enterprise includes two movable high tunnels for season extension purposes.

The event is being co-sponsored by the National Center for Appropriate Technology, the Iowa Organic Association, Genuine Faux Farm and Bremer County Extension. RSVPs are requested to [email protected].

WFRP offers a whole-farm premium subsidy to farms with two or more commodities that is the same as those provided for single crop policies, as long as minimum diversification requirements are met. The WFRP policy offers a higher premium subsidy for diversified and specialty crops than previous crop insurance products.  Coverage levels can range anywhere from 50 to 85 percent, depending on the level producers feel is appropriate for their businesses.