State crop insurance information sessions have been scheduled to help growers with risk management planning because the 2008 Farm Bill changed disaster payment eligibility criteria, requiring enrollment of crops in either crop insurance or FSA's Non-Insured Disaster Assistance Program, and higher insurance coverage may increase guarantees for crop insurance and disaster protection.

The presentations are part of the New York Crop Insurance Education Program administered by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets together with the USDA Risk Management Agency, Cornell Cooperative Extension, USDA Farm Service Agency and others.

Session agendas vary according to target audience, with most focusing on crop insurance tools for spring planted crops. Vegetable, fruit and diversified growers will also be able to learn about risk management options. A representative from FSA, which administers the disaster payment program, will discuss the Farm Bill's new requirements.

Crop insurance information sessions are scheduled before deadlines for purchasing, renewing or modifying crop insurance coverage.

For more information, contact Christopher Reed at (518) 485-8935 or chris.reed@agmkt.state.ny.us or visit www.agmkt.state.ny.us/AP/CropInsurance.html.

Workshops sceduled in central New York include:

#&149; Thursday, Jan. 22: 10:30 a.m. (Spring Planted Field Crops) Clarion Inn, Triphammer Road, Ithaca. RSVP Sharon (607) 753-5078.

#&149; Thursday, Jan. 22: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Onions) Canale's Restaurant, 156 West Utica St., Oswego. RSVP Jay 963-7286.

#&149; Wednesday, Feb. 4: 1:15 p.m. (Agenda 12:30 to 3 p.m.) (Spring Planted Field Crops) CCE Office, 248 Grant Ave., Suite 1, Auburn. RSVP Dan 255-1183 ext. 234.

#&149; Thursday, Feb. 5: Feb. 10 a.m. (Spring Planted Field Crops) CCE Office, 2571 Route 11, Suite 1, Lafayette. RSVP Lindsey 424-9485 ext. 229.

#&149; Tuesday, Feb. 10: 11 a.m. (Risk Management Training) Jordan Hall, NYS AES, 630 W. North St., Geneva. RSVP Fay (607) 753-5213.