Industry Deadline - Grape Crop Insurance & Fire Insurance Protection – Smoke Index (FIP-SI)
Friday, November 20, 2026
Description
Important Crop Insurance Deadlines for Washington Winegrape Growers
USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is reminding agricultural producers to review their crop insurance coverage for the 2027 crop year. Two important programs for Washington winegrape growers have different deadlines and provide different types of protection.
Grapevine Insurance – November 1 Deadline Has Passed
Grapevine insurance protects the vines themselves against covered causes of damage, rather than losses to the grape crop. Beginning with the 2027 crop year, coverage has expanded to include earthquake damage, in addition to covered risks such as freeze, hail, flooding and fire. USDA has also updated reporting requirements for transplanted and field-grafted vines. The sales closing date for 2027 grapevine insurance was November 1, 2026. Growers should consult their insurance agents about existing coverage and future enrollment opportunities.
Grape Crop Insurance – November 20 Deadline
Washington grape growers have until November 20, 2026, to purchase or modify grape crop insurance for the 2027 crop year. Unlike grapevine insurance, grape crop insurance protects against covered losses to grape production. Growers should review their coverage levels, production histories and available endorsements before the deadline.
Fire Insurance Protection – Smoke Index (FIP-SI) – November 20 Deadline
FIP-SI provides additional protection for grape growers against widespread wildfire smoke exposure. Available in eligible counties in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California, the endorsement covers a portion of the deductible under an existing grape crop insurance policy. Unlike traditional crop insurance, FIP-SI payments are triggered by county-level smoke data rather than individual vineyard losses. A qualifying smoke event can result in a payment even without a documented loss at the vineyard. Conversely, individual smoke damage does not guarantee payment if the county-level trigger is not met. FIP-SI must be purchased by November 20, 2026, in Washington and requires an underlying grape crop insurance policy.
Review Your Coverage Now
Growers are encouraged to contact their crop insurance agents before November 20 to review grape crop coverage and determine whether FIP-SI is appropriate for their operations. Availability and requirements vary by county and policy.
New to Crop Insurance?
Growers interested in purchasing coverage for the first time should contact a USDA-approved crop insurance agent. Agents can explain available policies, eligibility requirements, coverage options, premiums, and enrollment deadlines. Growers can find an agent using the USDA's official Crop Insurance Agent Locator
USDA Resources: