ARC and PLC Enrollment Deadline Nears for 2025 Crop Year

By Andi Anderson

Agricultural producers have until April 15, 2025, to complete their enrollment in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2025 crop year. These safety net programs are offered by the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to provide income protection to farmers who face sharp declines in crop prices or revenue.

Producers can choose between ARC-County or PLC, which provide crop-specific protection, or ARC-Individual, which covers the entire farm. While making a new program election is optional each year, signing a contract to enroll is mandatory. If a producer already has a multi-year contract, it will continue unless an election change is made.

Failing to revise election choices by the April 15 deadline means the previous year’s selection will remain in effect. However, if enrollment is not completed, producers won’t be eligible for payments, even if market conditions trigger support. Only producers with a share interest in the crop can enroll.

Eligible commodities include major crops like corn, soybeans, wheat, rice, and barley, as well as specialty crops such as lentils, flaxseed, and chickpeas.

To help with decisions, several universities offer online tools using farm-specific data. Producers are encouraged to use these tools before enrolling.

It’s important to note that ARC and PLC enrollment can affect crop insurance options. For example, those enrolled in PLC may still purchase the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO), while ARC participants are not eligible for SCO. However, the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) remains available regardless of program choice.

Producers visiting FSA offices for ARC/PLC enrollment are encouraged to address other programs during their visit, such as applying for farm loans or signing up for the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP). ECAP offers financial relief for 2024 crop year losses due to increased costs and market declines. Applications for ECAP are open until August 15, 2025.

Photo Credit: usda