The single-bag corn refuge product called Refuge Advanced from Dow AgroSciences has been approved for crop insurance premium reduction. The reduction is under the Pilot Biotechnology Endorsement (BE) program offered by USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA).

Corn Belt farmers planting the new single-bag refuge product for corn may be eligible to reduce their crop insurance premiums as part of the Pilot BE program. All Dow AgroSciences Refuge Advanced powered by SmartStax hybrids qualify for the pilot. In April, EPA registered the product, which is available in limited quantities on U.S. farms for the first time this growing season.

Refuge Advanced is a blend of 95% SmartStax corn seed and 5% refuge (non-Bt) seed that farmers can plant across an entire field. This means farmers who plant Refuge Advanced products no longer need to plant a separate, structured refuge for above- or belowground pests in the Corn Belt. For farmers who have purchased SmartStax that is not Refuge Advanced, the structured refuge is still required.

Refuge Advanced will be offered only through Dow AgroSciences seed brands, including Mycogen Seeds, Brodbeck Seeds, Dairyland Seed, Pfister Seeds, Renze Seeds and Triumph Seed. Dow AgroSciences expects a full commercial launch with a broad lineup of hybrids for sale for 2012 planting.

Additional program details regarding the Pilot BE program are available on the RMA website at www.rma.usda.gov/policies/bye.html.