USDA has announced enrollment dates for the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs for the 2026 and 2027 crop years, along with updates to base acres and changes affecting crop insurance options.
The announcement includes the first increase in base acres in 20 years, with more than 30 million new base acres being added to the farm safety net.
ARC/PLC Enrollment Dates
Producers can make elections and enroll for:
- 2026 crop year: September 16 – December 11, 2026
- 2027 crop year: November 2, 2026 – March 15, 2027
Producers may elect ARC-County (ARC-CO), Price Loss Coverage (PLC), or ARC-Individual (ARC-IC) depending on their operation and eligible commodities.
Election changes for 2026 are optional; however, producers must complete enrollment through a signed contract to be eligible for potential program payments. USDA is also offering producers the option to enter into a new multi-year contract covering 2026 through 2031.
If a producer does not submit a 2026 election by December 11, the election will remain the same as the farm's 2025 election, but the farm will not be eligible for 2026 program payments.
New Base Acres
USDA has completed the process of allocating more than 30 million new base acres nationwide, the first such increase in two decades.
Because the amount of eligible acreage exceeded the nationwide 30-million-acre limit, USDA's Farm Service Agency will apply an across-the-board 3.69% reduction to newly allocated base acres.
Base allocation notifications will be available beginning September 16. Landowners can access their information online through USDA using a Login.gov account or contact their local FSA county office.
An Important Change for Crop Insurance
There is also an important change involving Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) and Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO).
Producers may now purchase SCO or ECO regardless of whether they elect ARC or PLC.
Previously, producers who elected ARC-CO or ARC-IC could not purchase SCO coverage on the same acres. That restriction has now been removed, giving producers greater flexibility when considering how their farm program elections and crop insurance coverage work together.
There are still some program-specific restrictions. For example, upland cotton producers who enroll seed cotton base acres in ARC or PLC are not eligible for the Stacked Income Protection Plan (STAX) on planted cotton acres for that farm.
Review Your Options
ARC/PLC elections and crop insurance are separate programs, but the decisions can work together as part of an operation's overall risk management strategy. With the changes taking effect for 2026, this is a good time to review your options and consider how different levels of protection may fit your operation.
For ARC and PLC enrollment, base acre information and program eligibility questions, producers should contact their local FSA office.
For questions about SCO, ECO or other crop insurance coverage options, contact KDL Insurance. We're happy to help you review the crop insurance side of your risk management plan.
Read the full USDA announcement at the link below for complete program details and requirements.
More Information
Want to learn more about Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC), including program eligibility, enrollment and election options? Visit the USDA Farm Service Agency for complete program information.
