September 28, 2000

Ken Ackerman, administrator of USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA), says RMA has approved e-commerce implementation plans by Producers Lloyds Insurance Company and Rural Community Insurance Company (RCIC). The technology will enable the two companies to market and service federal crop insurance programs over the Internet.

The Freedom to E-File Act, signed by President Clinton June 20, requires RMA to submit a plan to Congress by Dec. 1 that allows agricultural producers to obtain all forms and other information concerning the crop insurance program over the Internet from approved insurance providers. In support of the E-File Act, RMA met with insurance providers in August to discuss compliance with the E-File act. Full implementation is set for Dec. 1, 2001.

"One of our main program goals has been making crop insurance program information readily available to all our producers," said Ackerman. "Besides increased access to program information, producers will now have the ability to electronically complete, sign, and submit forms required by their crop insurance policies."

The Internet site address for Producer Lloyds Insurance Company, which services Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico is http://www.producerslloyds.com. The site address for RCIC, which operates nationwide, is with its managing general agent, Rural Community Insurance Services: http://www.rcis.com.