Direct losses to trees, bushes, and vines might be covered by WHIP

California growers who experienced production losses or direct losses to trees, bushes, and vines due to 2017 California wildfires, mudslides,

or heavy smoke caused as a direct result of a 2017 wildfire are encouraged to sign up for WHIP at their local Farm Service Agency.

Sign-up period lasts until November 16, 2018. To sign up, contact the Santa Barbara/Ventura County Office at 805-928-9269 Ext. 2

WHIP payments will be determined based on:

Individual’s expected value of the lost crop,

Value of crop harvest,

Insurance coverage and insurance payments received.

Covers the production loss of crops and the physical trees, bushes, and vines.

Producers are limited to a $125,000 payment, unless it is verified, 75% or more of their adjusted gross income is derived from an agricultural-based

business, at which point payment limit is $900,000.

Adjusted gross income limits are not applicable to WHIP.

Both growers with or without crop insurance may apply.

All producers receiving 2017 WHIP payments will be required to purchase risk management coverage for the next two crop years at a

minimum of 60 percent coverage level.

Producers with crop losses will need to provide production records unless production information is already on file with FSA.

For more information on FSA disaster assistance programs, please contact the  Santa Barbara/Ventura County Office at

805-928-9269 Ext. 2 or visit www.farmers.gov/recover/whip.