United States 

Department of 

Agriculture

Federal Crop

Insurance

Corporation

FCIC-25980 (09-2023)

SHELLFISH LOSS 

ADJUSTMENT 

STANDARDS 

HANDBOOK

2024 and Succeeding Crop

Years
THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
September 2023 FCIC-25980 TP 1 

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FARM PRODUCTION AND CONSERVATION

RISK MANAGEMENT AGENCY

KANSAS CITY, MO 64133

TITLE: Shellfish Loss Adjustment Standards 

Handbook

NUMBER: FCIC-25980

OPI: Product Administration and Standards Division

EFFECTIVE DATE: 2024 and Succeeding Crop Years ISSUE DATE: September 28, 2023 

SUBJECT:

Provides the procedures and instructions for 

administering the Shellfish Pilot Crop Insurance 

Program.

APPROVED: 

/s/ John W. Underwood for

Deputy Administrator for Product Management

REASON FOR ISSUANCE

The Shellfish Pilot Loss Adjustment Standards Handbook is being issued and effective for the Shellfish Pilot 

Crop Insurance Program available beginning with the 2024 crop year. 
September 2023 FCIC-25980 TC 1 

SHELLFISH LOSS ADJUSTMENT STANDARDS HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1: GENERAL INFORMATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES.............................................................................. 1

1 General Information...................................................................................................................... 1

2 AIP Responsibilities ....................................................................................................................... 2

3-10 Reserved........................................................................................................................................ 3

PART 2: POLICY INFORMATION...................................................................................................................... 4

11 Insurability .................................................................................................................................... 4

12 Unit Division.................................................................................................................................. 4

13 Quality Adjustment ....................................................................................................................... 5

14 AIP Duties...................................................................................................................................... 5

15 Federal or State Ordered Destruction ........................................................................................... 5

16-20 Reserved........................................................................................................................................ 5

PART 3: APPRAISALS ...................................................................................................................................... 6

21 Determining Appraisals................................................................................................................. 6

22 Deviations and Modifications........................................................................................................ 7

23 General Information for Appraisal Worksheet Entries and Completion Procedures..................... 8

24-30 Reserved........................................................................................................................................ 8

PART 4: PRODUCTION WORKSHEET ............................................................................................................... 9

31 General Information...................................................................................................................... 9

32-40 Reserved........................................................................................................................................ 9

EXHIBITS .......................................................................................................................................................10

Exhibit 1 Acronyms and Abbreviations..............................................................................................10

Exhibit 2 Definitions ..........................................................................................................................11

Exhibit 3 Form Standards – Appraisal Worksheet .............................................................................13

Exhibit 4 Form Standards – Production Worksheet ..........................................................................18
September 2023 FCIC-25980 1 

PART 1: GENERAL INFORMATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1 General Information

A. Purpose and Objective

The RMA-issued loss adjustment standards for the Shellfish Pilot Crop Insurance Program are 

the official standard requirements for adjusting losses in a uniform and timely manner. The 

RMA-issued standards for this program and crop year are in effect as of the signature date for 

this handbook located at www.rma.usda.gov

This handbook remains in effect until superseded by reissuance of either the entire handbook 

subject to any directives contained in any bulletin or FAD released by RMA. A bulletin or FAD 

can supersede applicable portions of the original handbook.

B. Source of Authority

The FCIC Board of Directors approved the Shellfish Pilot Crop Insurance Program during the 

FCIC Board meeting on May 18, 2023, under the authority of Section 523 of the Federal Crop 

Insurance Act.

C. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

The USDA prohibits discrimination against its customers. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 

provides that “No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national 

origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to 

discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” Therefore, 

programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance must operate in a 

nondiscriminatory manner. Also, a recipient of RMA funding may not retaliate against any 

person because they opposed an unlawful practice or policy, or made charges, testified or 

participated in a complaint under Title VI.

It is the AIPs’ responsibility to ensure that standards, procedures, methods and instructions, as 

authorized by FCIC in the sale and service of crop insurance policies, are implemented in a 

manner compliant with Title VI. Information regarding Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 

and the program discrimination complaint process is available on the USDA public website at

www.ascr.usda.gov. For more information on the RMA Non-Discrimination Statement see the 

DSSH.
September 2023 FCIC-25980 2 

1 General Information (Continued)

D. Related Handbooks

The following table identifies handbooks that shall be used in conjunction with this handbook.

Handbook Relation/Purpose

CIH This handbook provides the official FCIC-approved underwriting standards 

for policies administered by AIPs for the General Administrative 

Regulations, Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic Provisions, and Area 

Risk Protection Regulations.

DSSH This handbook provides the official FCIC-approved form standards for use 

in the sale and service of any eligible Federal crop insurance policy; 

required statements and disclosures; and the standards for submission 

and review of non-reinsured supplemental policies in accordance with the 

SRA.

GSH This handbook provides the official FCIC-approved standards for policies 

administered by AIPs under the General Administrative Regulations, 

Common Crop Insurance Policy Regulations Basic Provisions, including the 

Catastrophic Risk Protection Endorsement; the Area Risk Protection 

Insurance Regulations Basic Provisions; the Stacked Income Protection 

Plan of Insurance; the Rainfall Index Plan; and the Whole-Farm Revenue 

Protection Pilot Policy.

LAM This handbook provides the official FCIC-approved general loss

adjustment standards for all levels of insurance provided under FCIC 

unless a publication specifies that none or only specified parts of this 

handbook apply.

SHELLFISH ISH This handbook provides specific underwriting guidelines for shellfish.

(1) Terms, abbreviations, and definitions general (not shellfish-specific) to loss adjustment 

are identified in the GSH and LAM. 

(2) Terms, abbreviations, and definitions specific to shellfish loss adjustment and this 

handbook are in Exhibits 1 and 2, herein.

E. CAT Coverage

Refer to the CIH, GSH, and LAM for provisions and procedures not applicable to CAT coverage.

2 AIP Responsibilities

A. Utilization of Standards

All AIPs must utilize these standards for both loss adjustment and loss training for the 

applicable crop year. These standards, which include appraisal methods, claims completion 

instructions, and form standards, supplement the general (not shellfish specific) loss 

adjustment standards identified in the LAM.
September 2023 FCIC-25980 3 

2 AIP Responsibilities (Continued)

B. Form Distribution

The following is the minimum distribution of forms completed by the adjuster and signed by 

the insured (or the insured’s authorized representative) for the loss adjustment inspection: 

(1) one legible copy to the insured; and

(2) the original and all remaining copies as instructed by the AIP.

C. Record Retention

It is the AIP’s responsibility to maintain records (documents) as stated in the SRA and described 

in the LAM.

D. Form Standards

(1) The entry items in Exhibits 3 and 4 are the minimum requirements for the Appraisal 

Worksheets and PWs. All entry items are “Substantive” (i.e., they are required).

(2) The Privacy Act and Non-Discrimination statements are required statements that must 

be printed on the form or provided to the insured as a separate document. These 

statements are not shown on the example form(s) in Exhibits 3 and 4. The current NonDiscrimination Statement and Privacy Act Statement can be found in the DSSH and on 

the RMA website at: www.rma.usda.gov. 

(3) The certification statement required by the current DSSH must be included on the PW 

directly above the insured’s signature block immediately followed by the statement 

below:

“I certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief all of the information on this form 

is correct. I also understand that failure to report completely and accurately may result 

in sanctions under my policy, including but not limited to voidance of the policy, and in 

criminal or civil penalties (18 U.S.C. 1006 and 1014; 7 U.S.C. 1506; 31 U.S.C. 3729, 3730 

and any other applicable federal statutes).”

(4) Refer to the DSSH for other insurance form requirements (such as point size of font and 

so forth). The current DSSH can be found on the RMA website at www.rma.usda.gov. 

3-10 Reserved
September 2023 FCIC-25980 4 

PART 2: POLICY INFORMATION 

The AIP determines the insured has complied with all policy provisions of the insurance policy. The Shellfish

CP are to be considered in this determination.

11 Insurability

The following may not be a complete list of insurability requirements. Refer to the BP, CP, and the SP 

for a complete list.

(1) Insured Commodity

In accordance with Section 7 of the CP, the commodity insured in the county will be all of each 

commodity the insured elects to insure for which premium rates are provided by the AD: 

(a) in which the insured has a share;

(b) that is listed on an application submitted by the insured and which is accepted by the 

AIP; 

(c) that is a type designated in the SP; 

(d) that is grown in containers;

(e) that meets the minimum seed size if contained in the SP and is supported by the 

insured’s seed purchase receipts; 

(f) that is purchased from a private or commercial shellfish nursery or hatchery;

(g) that is grown by a person who has grown the insured commodity or participated in 

managing an operation of the same commodity for at least four crop years in the county 

in which the commodity will be insured, unless otherwise specified in the SP;

(h) that is produced using generally recognized and acceptable production methods for the 

commodity; and 

(i) that is produced in an operation that, if inspected by the AIP, is considered acceptable

to the AIP. 

(2) Shellfish grown in nurseries and hatcheries are not insurable.

12 Unit Division

A. Basic Unit

In lieu of the definition contained in Section 1 of the BP, a basic unit will be established for all of 

the insurable commodity in the county for which the insured has a share on the date coverage 

begins for the crop year.
September 2023 FCIC-25980 5 

12 Unit Division

B. Other Units

No other unit division under Section 34 of the BP is allowed.

13 Quality Adjustment

Quality adjustment does not apply for the Shellfish Pilot Crop Insurance Program.

14 AIP Duties

For a county qualifying under Section 10(b)(1) of the CP, the AIP will pay any indemnity the insured is 

eligible to receive for the insured’s loss under the CP within 30 days after the later of the date:

(1) FCIC releases the list of counties identified as meeting the county loss trigger and the insured’s 

county is on the list; 

(2) the AIP determines the insured’s production to count for the unit under the CP for the insured 

crop; or

(3) any applicable determination under Section 14(f) of the BP.

In accordance with Section 10(a)(4) of the CP, if the insured failed to comply with the notice 

requirements in the described sections, if:

(1) The AIP has the ability to accurately adjust the loss, Section 11(f)(1)(i)(E) of the CP will not apply 

for purposes of the notice requirements of the CP.

(2) The AIP does not have the ability to accurately adjust the loss for any claim for indemnity, no 

indemnity will be paid, but the insured will still be required to pay all premiums owed.

15 Federal or State Ordered Destruction

Under Section 15(j) of the BP, if due to insured causes, a Federal or State agency has ordered the 

insured crop or crop production to be destroyed, on the claim form enter the factor “.000” in column 

35 for appraised production or column 65 for harvested production, as applicable. Instruct the insured 

to complete and submit a Certification Form stating the date the crop or production was destroyed and 

the method of destruction (refer to item 40 and the Narrative in the PW instructions). Also refer to the 

LAM for additional information.

16-20 Reserved
September 2023 FCIC-25980 6 

PART 3: APPRAISALS

Potential production inspections and appraisals for the commodity will be appraised in accordance with 

procedures specified in this handbook and the LAM.

21 Determining Appraisals

Following a notice of damage or loss, the AIP may conduct inspections and appraisals it determines are 

appropriate without regard to the insured county meeting the county loss trigger. Appraised 

production will be included in the production to count, as outlined in Section 11(f) of the CP:

A. Required Appraisals

(1) An appraisal is required:

(a) when an appraisal not less than the production guarantee applies;

(b) for an uninsured cause of loss;

(c) for potential production; and 

(d) for determining mature shellfish that is not harvested by the EOIP. 

(2) Make separate appraisals to document damage due to uninsured causes.

B. Selecting Representative Samples

Sample five percent of the containers for each growing location. 

C. Uninsured Appraisals

(1) Assess an appraisal of not less than the applicable production guarantee (e.g., damaged 

solely by uninsured causes). 

Enter the appraisal in column 37 of the PW.

Example: Shellfish that die due to an uninsured cause, are destroyed due to an 

official quarantine order, are abandoned, put to another use without 

consent, or are quarantined or subject to closure and not released during 

the insurance period.

(2) Enter the appraisal for potential lost production due to uninsured causes by counting 

the number of shellfish that are dead that exceed the insured’s adjusted mean survival 

rate (See Paragraph 45D of the Shellfish ISH). Assistance from third-party experts may 

be used to confirm the cause of loss and determine if it is an insurable or uninsurable 

cause of loss. Explain the calculations in the Narrative or on a Special Report.
September 2023 FCIC-25980 7 

21 Determining Appraisals (Continued)

C. Uninsured Appraisals (Continued)

Example Insured Gave Notice of Damage or Loss

No Insured Cause of Loss Determined

Growing Location 1: 100 containers

Sample Size: 5 containers (100 containers × 5%)

Adjusted Mean Survival Rate: 68%

1 - 68% = 32% Expected Number of Dead Shellfish

Total Number of Shellfish for All Sample Containers: 1,000

Total Number of Dead Shellfish for All Sample Containers: 400

Percent Dead Shellfish: 40% (400 ÷ 1,000)

Excess of Adjusted Mean Survival Rate: 8% (40% Dead Shellfish -32% 

Adjusted Mean Survival Rate)

Uninsured Appraisal Per Container: 16 Shellfish [(1,000 ÷ 5) × 8%] 

D. Potential Appraisals

Applicable appraisals are based on: 

(1) potential production on the commodity that the AIP gives consent to abandon or no 

longer care for; and

(2) mature production that will not be harvested within the insurance period. Count the 

number of mature shellfish that will not be harvested by the calendar date for the EOIP. 

Example End of Insurance Period: December 31

Insured Gives Notice of Intent of Incomplete Harvest of Mature Shellfish

AIP Inspection Conducted December 15

Growing Location 1: 100 containers

Sample Size: 5 containers (100 containers × 5%)

Total Number of Shellfish for All Sample Containers: 1,000

Total Number of Unharvested Mature Shellfish for All Sample

Containers: 100

Number of Unharvested Mature Shellfish per Container: 20 (100 ÷ 5)

E. Appraisal Worksheets

Complete Appraisal Worksheets in accordance with the instructions in Exhibit 3. Appraisals are 

reported in Section I of the PW as uninsured and unharvested appraisals, as applicable.

22 Deviations and Modifications

(1) Deviations in appraisal methods require RMA written authorization (as described in the LAM) 

prior to implementation.

(2) There are no pre-established appraisal modifications contained in this handbook, refer to the 

LAM for additional information.
September 2023 FCIC-25980 8 

23 General Information for Appraisal Worksheet Entries and Completion Procedures

(1) Include the AIP’s name in the Appraisal Worksheet title if not preprinted on the worksheet or 

when a worksheet entry is not provided.

(2) Include the claim number on the Appraisal Worksheet (when required by the AIP) when a 

worksheet entry is not provided.

(3) Separate Appraisal Worksheets may be required for each growing location appraised within the 

basic unit if appraising both mature production shellfish potential and potential for shellfish 

released with consent for the same growing location, etc. See Paragraph 21A(2) regarding 

separate uninsured cause appraisals. (Applicable to preliminary and final claims.) 

(4) Standard Appraisal Worksheet items are numbered consecutively in Exhibit 3. Example 

Appraisal Worksheets are also provided to illustrate how to complete item entries.

24-30 Reserved
September 2023 FCIC-25980 9 

PART 4: PRODUCTION WORKSHEET

31 General Information

(1) The PW is a progressive form containing all notices of damage occurring during the insurance 

period (including “No Indemnity Due” claims) on a unit.

(2) The PW is used to record any appraisals for uninsured causes and all shellfish production for the 

unit. 

(3) Refer to the LAM for instructions regarding the following:

(a) commodity report errors; 

(b) delayed notices and delayed claims; 

(c) corrected claims and cases involving uninsured causes of loss, unusual situations, 

controversial claims, concealment, or misrepresentation; and

(d) “No Indemnity Due” claims (which must be verified by an appraisal or notification from 

the insured that the production, including any applicable appraisal (e.g., solely 

uninsured causes), exceeded the guarantee).

(4) The adjuster is responsible for determining if any of the insured’s requirements under the 

notice and claim provisions of the policy have not been met. If any requirements have not been 

met, the adjuster should contact the AIP.

(5) Instructions labeled “PRELIMINARY” apply to preliminary inspections only related to certain 

cause of loss determinations (e.g., to document insurable or uninsurable losses). Instructions 

labeled “FINAL” apply to final inspections only performed at the EOIP. 

(6) If the AIP determines the claim is to be denied, refer to the LAM for PW completion 

instructions. 

(7) Standard PW items are numbered consecutively in Exhibit 4. An example PW is also provided 

to illustrate how to complete item entries.

32-40 Reserved
September 2023 FCIC-25980 10

EXHIBITS 

Exhibit 1 Acronyms and Abbreviations

The following table provides the acronyms and abbreviations used in this handbook.

Approved Acronyms Term

AD Actuarial Documents

AIP Approved Insurance Provider

APH Actual Production History

BP Basic Provisions

CAT Catastrophic Risk Protection

CIH Crop Insurance Handbook

CP Commodity Provisions

DSSH Document and Supplemental Standards Handbook

EOIP End of Insurance Period

FAD Final Agency Determination

FCIC USDA Federal Crop Insurance Corporation

GPS Global Positioning System

GSH General Standards Handbook

ISH Insurance Standards Handbook

LAM Loss Adjustment Manual

OPI Office of Primary Interest

PW Production Worksheet

RMA Risk Management Agency

SDP Shellfish Data Provisions

SP Special Provisions

SRA Standard Reinsurance Agreement

USDA United States Department of Agriculture
September 2023 FCIC-25980 11

Exhibit 2 Definitions

Actual yield: In lieu of the definition in section 1 of the BP, the total number of the commodity (which 

includes harvested and appraised mature production) as documented by production records or claims for 

indemnities for the basic unit.

Adjusted mean survival rate: The simple average of the standardized survival rates for the APH base period 

for the applicable growing interval that is used to determine your expected yield for the current crop year.

Approved yield: In lieu of the definition in section 1 of the BP, the approved yield for the basic unit for the 

crop year is the lesser of the: 

(a) average yield for the basic unit multiplied by 1.25; or

(b) expected yield. 

Assigned yield: In lieu of the definition in section 1 of the Basic Provisions, an annual yield assigned according 

to FCIC approved procedures for an APH crop year when the insured does not file an acceptable production 

report, or when upon request by the AIP, or any other person authorized by FCIC, the insured does not 

provide acceptable evidence of production and seed records to support the production report. The assigned 

yield will not be more than 75 percent of the prior year’s approved yield. If an assigned yield cannot be 

determined due to no prior year’s approved yield, no coverage will be provided.

Average yield: In lieu of the definition in section 1 of the BP, the result of summing the yearly actual and 

assigned yields for the APH database and dividing the sum by the number of yields contained in the APH 

database for the applicable growing interval.

Basic unit: In lieu of the definition in section 1 of the BP, a basic unit will be all of the insurable commodity in 

the county in which the insured has a share on the date coverage begins for the crop year.

Commodity: An agricultural commodity as defined in the BP. The term commodity will have the same 

meaning as crop when referenced in applicable sections of the BP, the CP, and applicable FCIC approved 

procedures. 

Commodity report: In addition to section 6 of the Basic Provisions, your report of the insured commodity in 

the county, whether insurable or not insurable. For the purposes of these Commodity Provisions, the 

commodity report functions as the acreage report.

Containers: Floats, bags, rafts, trays, longline systems, racks, and other off-bottom cages commonly used by 

the shellfish industry.

County loss trigger: The occurrence of an insurable cause of loss as determined in accordance with the CP and 

the SDP. A county meeting the county loss trigger will be specified in the AD. 

Crop year: In accordance with the definition in section 1 of the Basic Provisions, the calendar year of expected 

harvest. 

Expected yield: The result of the number of seed purchased from a private or commercial shellfish nursery or 

hatchery that are placed into containers for the crop year (as determined by the applicable growing interval) 

multiplied by the adjusted mean survival rate.
September 2023 FCIC-25980 12

Exhibit 2 Definitions (Continued)

Growing Interval: The time between the calendar year of the seed purchased and the crop year for the 

insured commodity and county and is used to calculate the expected yield. The growing interval must be 

based on the majority of the seeds in your operation as follows:

(a) Growing interval I – The majority of the seed is purchased one calendar year prior to the crop 

year (e.g., for crop year 2024, seeds are purchased in 2023).

(b) Growing interval II – The majority of the seed is purchased two calendar years prior to the crop 

year (e.g., for crop year 2024, seeds are purchased in 2022).

(c) Growing interval III – The majority of the seed is purchased three calendar years prior to the 

crop year (e.g., for crop year 2024, seeds are purchased in 2021).

Harvest: The removal of the mature commodity from the basic unit. 

Maximum over established price: The upper limit to the producer price option, as show in the AD.

Observed survival rate: The percentage determined by dividing the harvested production for each crop year 

by the number of seed purchased in the calendar year corresponding to the growing interval (e.g., for Growing 

Interval II, divide the harvested production from the 2024 crop year by the number of seed purchased in 

2022).

Price election: The price election, elected by the insured by the SCD:

(a) as defined in section 1 of the BP, shown as the “established price” in the AD; or 

(b) the producer price option. 

Producer price option: The producer price option is calculated as the average price received by the insured

for each year in the most recent four APH crop years up to the maximum over established price. The average 

price is the total dollar sales of the commodity divided by the total number of the commodity sold for each 

crop year. 

Production guarantee: In lieu of the definition in section 1 of the BP, the number of the commodity

determined by multiplying the approved yield for the basic unit by the coverage level percentage the insured

elects. 

Shellfish: Oysters and other commodities as specified in the AD. 

Shellfish Data Provisions: A document that describes the methodology utilized by FCIC in identifying counties 

subject to a county loss trigger.

Standardized survival factor: A percentage established by FCIC based on different seed sizes that are used to 

calculate the insured’s standardized survival rate. The seed size factors are contained in the SP. 

Standardized survival rate: The insured’s observed survival rate for the applicable seed size for each crop 

year in the APH base period, as specified in section 3(d)(1)(ii) of the CP, multiplied by the standardized survival 

factor for that seed size.

Type: A category of the commodity identified as a type in the SP. 
September 2023 FCIC-25980 13

Exhibit 3 Form Standards – Appraisal Worksheet

Verify and/or make the following entries for each Appraisal Worksheet element/item number. A completed 

Appraisal Worksheet example is at the end of this exhibit. For general form standards and other general 

information, see Subparagraph 2D and Paragraph 23. 

Complete separate appraisal worksheets for each commodity. 

Section I

MATURE SHELLFISH APPRAISALS – REMAINING POTENTIAL

(For End of Insurance Period (Calendar Date) Appraisals Only)

[See Paragraph 21D]

Element/Item Number Description

Company Name of AIP if not preprinted on the appraisal worksheet (Company 

Name).

1. Insured's Name Name of the insured that identifies exactly the person (legal entity) to 

whom the policy is issued.

2. Policy Number Insured’s assigned policy number.

3. Unit Number Unit number from the Summary of Coverage after it is verified to be 

correct. (Shellfish are insured by basic unit; see the definition of basic unit 

and Section 2 of the CP.)

4. Commodity Enter “Oysters.” (Any reference to “oysters” in the following item 

numbers applies on a commodity basis as the insured crop is each separate 

commodity (i.e., shellfish.) 

5. Crop Year Four-digit crop year, as defined in the policy, for which the claim is filed.

6. Claim Number Claim number as assigned by the AIP.

7. Type Enter the type(s) and type code(s) as specified in AD.

8. Shellfish Containers in 

Production

Number of shellfish containers in production in the unit.

9. Growing Location Enter each growing location, enter the number of containers in 

production, lease identification number (or other applicable identification 

numbers for the growing location) and applicable GPS coordinates.

10. Number of 

Unharvested Mature 

Shellfish per Sample 

Container

Sample 5 percent of the container for the location. Enter the number of 

unharvested mature shellfish for each sample container. 

11. Total number of 

unharvested Mature 

Shellfish for all 

containers

Enter the total number of mature shellfish sampled.

12. Total number of Rep. 

Samples

Enter the total number of containers sampled.

13. Average Number of 

Unharvested Mature 

Shellfish for All 

Samples

Total the number of unharvested mature shellfish for all sample containers 

and divide by the number of sample containers to determine the number 

of unharvested mature shellfish per container for the location. Round 

result to the nearest whole shellfish. 

Transfer the entry for each growing location to Column 31 of the PW.
September 2023 FCIC-25980 14

Exhibit 3 Form Standards – Appraisal Worksheet (Continued)

Element/Item Number Description

14. Total Number of 

Shellfish and Number 

of Shellfish Lost for the 

Growing Location

Make no entry.

15. Percent Survival for the 

Growing Location

Make no entry.

16. Uninsured Appraisal 

for the Growing 

Location

Make no entry.

Section II

UNINSURED DAMAGE APPRAISALS

Partially Uninsured Causes

[See Paragraph 21C(2)]

Element/Item Number Description

8. Shellfish Containers in 

Production

Number of shellfish containers in production the unit from the commodity 

report.

9. Growing Location Enter each growing location, enter the number of containers in 

production, lease identification number (or other applicable identification 

numbers for the growing location), and applicable GPS coordinates.

10. Number of Shellfish 

and Number of 

Shellfish Lost per 

Sample Container

Sample 5 percent of the container for the location. Split the item. In the 

top half, enter the number of shellfish in the sample container. Enter in

the bottom half the number of dead shellfish in the sample container. 

Make no entry for solely uninsured damaged causes.

11. Total Number of 

Shellfish and Total 

Number of Shellfish 

Lost

Split the item. Enter the total number of Shellfish for the sample on the top 

half. 

Enter the total number of dead shellfish for the sample on the bottom half. 

12. Total number of Rep. 

Samples

Enter the total number of containers sampled.

13. Average Number of 

Shellfish and Number

of Shellfish Lost per 

Container Due to 

Uninsured Causes

Split the item. Total the number of shellfish for all sample and divide by 

the number of sample containers to determine the number of shellfish per 

container for the location. Enter the result in the top half, rounded to the 

nearest whole shellfish.

Total the number of dead shellfish for all sample containers and divide by 

the number of sample containers to determine the number of dead 

shellfish per container for the location. Enter the result in the bottom half, 

rounded to the nearest whole shellfish.
September 2023 FCIC-25980 15

Exhibit 3 Form Standards – Appraisal Worksheet (Continued)

Element/Item Number Description

14. Total Number of 

Shellfish and Number 

of Shellfish Lost for the 

Growing Location

Enter the result of multiplying the number of shellfish per container from 

item 13 for the location by the number of containers for the location in 

item 9 and enter the result. Enter the result in the top half, rounded to the 

nearest whole shellfish.

Enter the result of multiplying the number of shellfish lost per container 

from item 13 for the location by the number of containers for the location 

in item 9 and enter the result. Enter the result in the bottom half, rounded 

to the nearest whole shellfish.

15. Percent Survival for the 

Growing Location

Enter percent survival by dividing the bottom half of item 14 by the top 

half of item 14. Enter the result to the nearest whole percent.

Enter the Adjusted Mean Survival Rate from the production report in the 

Remarks.

16. Uninsured Appraisal 

for the Growing 

Location

Enter the uninsured appraisal in whole shellfish. See the Remarks section 

for calculations. Transfer the entry to Column 37 of the PW. 

The following required entries are not illustrated on the Appraisal Worksheet examples below.

Element/Item Number Description

17. Remarks Enter applicable remarks.

18. Adjuster’s Signature,

Code No., and Date

Signature of adjuster, code number, and date signed after the insured (or 

insured’s authorized representative) has signed. If the appraisal is 

performed prior to signature date, document the date of appraisal in the 

Narrative section of the appraisal worksheet (if available); otherwise, 

document the appraisal date in the Narrative of the PW.

19. Insured’s Signature and 

Date 

Insured’s (or insured’s authorized representative’s) signature and date. 

Before obtaining the insured’s signature, review all entries on the appraisal 

worksheet with the insured or insured’s authorized representative, 

particularly explaining codes, etc., that may not be readily understood.

20. Page Numbers Page numbers (Example: Page 1 of 1, Page 1 of 2, Page 2 of 2, etc.).
September 2023 FCIC-25980 16

Exhibit 3 Form Standards – Appraisal Worksheet (Continued)

Refer to the Above Appraisal Worksheet instructions for required statements and signature entries.
September 2023 FCIC-25980 17

Exhibit 3 Form Standards – Appraisal Worksheet (Continued)

Refer to the Above Appraisal Worksheet instructions for required statements and signature entries.
September 2023 FCIC-25980 18

Exhibit 4 Form Standards – Production Worksheet 

Verify and/or make the following entries for each PW element/item number. Completed PW examples are at 

the end of this exhibit. For general form standards and other general information, see Subparagraph 2D and 

Paragraph 31. 

An indemnity is payable only if the County Loss Trigger is met as identified in the AD for the applicable county. 

Notices of damage or loss are applicable for purposes of establishing that damage to the insured commodity 

occurred during the insurance period.

Element/Item Number Description

1. Crop/Code # “Oysters” (0115). (Any reference to “shellfish” in the following item 

numbers applies on a commodity basis as the insured crop is each separate 

commodity (i.e., oysters).)

2. Unit # Unit number from the Summary of Coverage after it is verified to be 

correct. (Shellfish is insured in a single basic unit (see unit definition in the 

CP) for the county containing all growing locations.)

3. Growing Location 

Description 

Location identifications, i.e., L1 (plus lease identification number or other 

applicable number and GPS coordinates) for each growing location in the 

basic unit.

4. Date(s) of Damage First three letters of the month(s) during which the determined insured 

damage occurred for the inspection and cause(s) of damage listed in item 

5 below. If no entry in item 5 below, make no entry. For progressive 

damage, enter the month that identifies when the majority of the insured 

damage occurred. Include the specific date where applicable as in the case 

of hail damage (e.g., Aug 11). Enter additional dates of damage in the 

extra spaces, as needed. If more space is needed, document the additional 

dates of damage in the Narrative (or on a Special Report). Refer to the 

illustration in item 6 below. If there is no insurable cause of loss and a no 

indemnity due claim will be completed, make no entry.

5. Cause(s) of Damage Name of the determined insured cause(s) of damage for the commodity as 

listed in the LAM for the date of damage listed in item 4 above. If an 

insured cause(s) of damage is coded as “Other,” explain in the Narrative. 

Enter additional causes of damage in the extra spaces, as needed. If more 

space is needed, document the additional determined insured causes of 

damage in the Narrative (or on a Special Report). Refer to the illustration 

in item 6 below.

If the county loss trigger is not met or if met, it is evident that no 

indemnity is due, enter “No Indemnity Due” across the columns in Item 5 

(refer to the LAM for more information on no indemnity due claims).
September 2023 FCIC-25980 19

Exhibit 4 Form Standards – Production Worksheet (Continued)

Element/Item Number Description

6. Insured Cause % PRELIMINARY: Make no entry.

FINAL: Whole percent of damage for the insured cause of damage listed in 

item 5 above. Enter additional “Insured Cause %” in the extra spaces, as 

needed. If additional space is needed, enter the additional determined 

“Insured Cause %” in the Narrative (or on a Special Report). The total of all 

“Insured Cause %” including those entered in the Narrative must equal 

100%.

If there is no insurable cause of loss, and a no indemnity due claim will be 

completed, make no entry.

Example entries for items 4-6 and the Narrative reflect entries for multiple 

dates of damage, the corresponding insured causes of damage, and 

insured cause percentages:

4. Date(s) of Damage JUL

5. Causes of Damage Salinity

6. Insured Cause % 100

Narrative

7. Company/Agency Name of company and agency servicing the policy.

8. Name of Insured Name of the insured that identifies exactly the person (legal entity) to 

whom the policy is issued.

9. Claim # Claim number as assigned by the AIP.

10. Policy # Insured’s assigned policy number.

11. Crop Year Four-digit crop year, as defined in the policy, for which the claim is filed.

12. Additional Units Make no entry (only one basic unit applies for the commodity).

13. Est. Prod. For the 

Commodity Acre

PRELIMINARY: Make no entry.

FINAL: Strike through “Acre” and insert the shellfish commodity.

14. Date(s) Notice of Loss PRELIMINARY:

(a) Date the first or second notice of damage or loss was given for the 

unit in item 2, in the 1st or 2nd space, as applicable. Enter the 

complete date (MM/DD/YYYY) for each notice.

(b) A notice of damage or loss for a third preliminary inspection (if 

needed) requires an additional set of PWs. Enter the date of notice 

for a third preliminary inspection in the 1st space of item 14 on the 

second set of PWs.
September 2023 FCIC-25980 20

Exhibit 4 Form Standards – Production Worksheet (Continued)

Element/Item Number Description

14. Date(s) Notice of Loss 

(Continued) 

(c) Reserve the “Final” space on the first page of the first set of PWs 

for the date of notice for the final inspection.

(d) If the inspection is initiated by the AIP, enter “Company Insp.” 

instead of the date.

(e) If the notice does not require an inspection, document as directed 

in the Narrative instructions.

FINAL: Transfer the last date (in the 1st or 2nd space from the first or 

second set of PWs) to the final space on the first page of the first set of 

PWs if a final inspection should be made as a result of the notice. Always 

enter the complete date of notice (MM/DD/YYYY) for the “final” inspection 

in the final space on the first set of PWs. For a delayed notice of loss or 

delayed claim, refer to the LAM.

15. Companion Policy(s) (a) If no other person has a share in the unit (insured has 100 percent 

share), make no entry.

(b) In all cases where the insured has less than a 100 percent share of a 

loss-affected unit, ask the insured if the other person sharing in the 

unit has a shellfish insurance policy (not crop-hail, fire, and so 

forth). If the other person does not, enter “None.”

(1) If the other person has a shellfish insurance policy and it can 

be determined that the same AIP services it, enter the 

policy number. Handle these companion policies according 

to AIP instructions.

(2) If the other person has a shellfish insurance policy and a 

different AIP or agent services it, enter the name of the AIP 

and/or agent (and policy number) if known.

(3) If unable to verify the existence of a companion policy, 

enter “Unknown” and contact the AIP for further 

instructions. 

(c) Refer to the LAM for further information regarding companion 

policies.
September 2023 FCIC-25980 21

Exhibit 4 Form Standards – Production Worksheet (Continued)

Section I – Determined Shellfish Appraised, Production and Adjustments

Make separate line entries for varying:

(1) rate classes, types, classes, sub-classes, intended uses, or cropping practices, as applicable;

(2) APH yields;

(3) appraisals;

(4) stages or intended use(s); or

(5) shares (e.g., 50 percent and 75 percent shares on the basic unit). 

Element/Item Number Description

16. Growing Location ID 

Field ID

Location identifications associated with the Growing Location Description 

contained in item 3. 

The location identification symbol from a sketch map or an aerial photo. 

Refer to the Narrative.

17. Multi-Crop Code PRELIMINARY AND FINAL: Make no entry.

18. Reported Growing 

Location ID Acre

Make no entry.

19. No. of Containers Acres Strike through “acres” and enter the number of determined containers in 

production for each location. 

Account for all growing locations in the unit.

20. Interest or Share Insured’s interest in the commodity to three decimal places as determined 

at the time of inspection. If shares vary on the basic unit, use separate line 

entries.
September 2023 FCIC-25980 22

Exhibit 4 Form Standards – Production Worksheet (Continued)

Element/Item Number Description

21. Risk Three-digit code for the correct “Rate” as specified on the AD maps. If a 

“Rate” or “High-Risk Area” is not specified on the AD maps, make no entry. 

Verify with the Summary of Coverage and if the “Rate” is found to be 

incorrect, revise according to the AIP’s instructions. Refer to the LAM.

(Written agreements are not authorized for the Shellfish Pilot Crop 

Insurance Program.)

22. Type Three-digit code, entered exactly as specified on the AD for the type grown 

by the insured. If “No Type Specified” is shown in the AD, enter the 

appropriate three-digit code from the AD (e.g., 997). If a type is not 

specified on the AD, make no entry.

23. Class Three-digit code, entered exactly as specified on the AD for the class 

grown by the insured. If “No Class Specified” is shown in the AD, enter the 

appropriate three-digit code from the AD (e.g., 997). If a class is not 

specified on the AD, make no entry.

24. Sub-Class Three-digit code, entered exactly as specified on the AD for the sub-class 

grown by the insured. If “No Sub-Class Specified,” is shown in the AD, 

enter the appropriate three-digit code from the AD (e.g., 997). If a subclass is not specified on the AD, make no entry.

25. Intended Use Three-digit code, entered exactly as specified on the AD for the intended 

use of the commodity grown by the insured. If “No Intended Use 

Specified” is shown in the AD, enter the appropriate three-digit code from 

the AD (e.g., 997). If an intended use is not specified on the AD, make no 

entry.

26. Irr. Practice Three-digit code, entered exactly as specified on the AD for the irrigated 

practice carried out by the insured. If “No Irrigated Practice Specified” is 

shown in the AD, enter the appropriate three-digit code from the AD (e.g., 

997). If an irrigated practice is not specified on the AD, make no entry.

27. Cropping Practice Three-digit code, entered exactly as specified on the AD for the cropping 

practice (or practice) carried out by the insured. If “No Cropping Practice 

Specified” or “No Practice Specified” is shown in the AD, enter the 

appropriate three-digit code from the AD (e.g., 997). If a cropping practice 

is not specified on the AD, make no entry.
September 2023 FCIC-25980 23

Exhibit 4 Form Standards – Production Worksheet (Continued)

Element/Item Number Description

28. Organic Practice Make no entry.

29. Stage PRELIMINARY: Make no entry.

FINAL: Stage abbreviation as shown below.

 STAGE EXPLANATION

“P”.................. Shellfish abandoned without consent, destroyed or put 

to other use without consent, damaged solely by 

uninsured causes, seized, quarantined, or for which the 

insured failed to provide acceptable records of 

production to the AIP

“H”.................. Harvested

“UH”............... Unharvested or put to other use with consent

30. Use of Shellfish

Acreage

Use of the shellfish (strike through “Acreage”). Use the following 

“Intended Use” abbreviations.

 USE EXPLANATION

“WOC”.............. Other use without consent

“SU”.................. Solely uninsured

“ABA”............... Abandoned without consent

“H”.................... Harvested mature shellfish

“UH”................. Unharvested (mature shellfish not harvested by the 

EOIP) 

Verify any “Intended Use” entry. If final use of the commodity was not as

indicated, strike out the original line and initial it. Enter all data on a new 

line showing the correct “Final Use.”

31. Appraised Potential Transfer the potential shellfish appraisal from item 11 from the applicable 

appraisal worksheet.

32a. Moisture % Make no entry.

32b. Factor Make no entry.

33. Shell %, Factor, or 

Value

Make no entry.

34. Production Pre QA Column 19 multiplied by column 31, results in whole shellfish. If no entry 

in column 31, make no entry.
September 2023 FCIC-25980 24

Exhibit 4 Form Standards – Production Worksheet (Continued)

Element/Item Number Description

35. Quality Factor Make no entry, unless Paragraph 16 applies.

36. Production Post QA Transfer the entry in item 34. If no entry in column 34, make no entry.

37. Uninsured Causes Transfer the uninsured shellfish appraisal for uninsured causes (taken from 

Column 14 of Appraisal Worksheet or other documentation). Refer to the 

LAM for information on how to determine uninsured cause appraisals. If 

no uninsured causes, make no entry.

Hail and Fire exclusion not applicable.

38. Total to Count Result of adding item 36 and item 37.

39. Total PRELIMINARY: Make no entry.

FINAL: Split the entry horizontally. Enter in the top half the total 

determined number of containers in production for all growing locations. 

Enter in the bottom half the number of containers in production reported 

on the commodity report. If the number of determined containers in the 

top half of the block is larger than the bottom half of the block (i.e., underreported), the premium, liability, and any indemnity will be based on 

determined number of containers. If the number of determined 

containers in the top half of the block is less than the bottom half of the 

block (i.e., over-reported), the premium, liability, and any indemnity will be 

based number of determined containers. 

If the top and bottom block are equal, there is no under- or over-reporting.

40. Quality (a) If injurious substances or conditions are identified and the

production is ordered destroyed by a Federal or State agency: 

(1) Identify the injurious substance or condition, the date the 

crop was destroyed and the method of destruction in the 

Narrative or on a Special Report.

(2) Attach to the claim, the completed Certification Form, a 

copy of the destruction order, and if possible, a copy of the 

laboratory test results confirming the presence of any 

injurious substances or conditions.

(b) Otherwise, enter “None.”

41. Make no entry.

42. Totals Total of entries in columns 34, 36, 37, and 38. If a column has no entries,

make no entry.
September 2023 FCIC-25980 25

Exhibit 4 Form Standards – Production Worksheet (Continued)

Narrative Instructions

If more space is needed, document on a Special Report, and enter “Refer to the Special Report.” Attach the 

Special Report to the PW.

a. If no shellfish are released, enter “No shellfish released,” adjuster’s initials, and date.

b. Explain any uninsured causes, unusual, or controversial cases.

c. Document the actual appraisal date if an appraisal was performed prior to the adjuster’s signature 

date on the Appraisal Worksheet, and the date of the appraisal is not recorded on the Appraisal 

Worksheet.

d. Explain any errors found on the Summary of Coverage.

e. Explain any commingled shellfish for other producer growing locations (share locations or separate 

producer locations). Refer to the LAM any applicable guidance.

f. Explain a “NO” checked in item 44, “Damage Similar to Other Growing Locations in the Area?”

g. Explain any difference between date of inspection and signature dates. For an absentee insured, 

enter the date of the inspection AND the date of mailing the PW for signature.

h. When any other adjuster or supervisor accompanied the adjuster on the inspection, enter the code 

number of the other adjuster or supervisor and the date of inspection.

i. Explain the reason for a “No Indemnity Due” claim. “No Indemnity Due” claims are to be distributed 

in accordance with the AIP’s instructions.

j. Explain any delayed notices or delayed claims as instructed in the LAM.

k. For production to be destroyed due to presence of injurious substances or conditions, document the 

following. 

(a) Explain any “0.000” quality adjustment factor entered in items 35 and 65. Follow the 

documentation requirements listed in item 40 above.

(b) Refer to the LAM for additional documentation requirements.

l. Document the method and calculation used to determine shellfish for the unit. Refer to the LAM.

Section II – Determined Harvested Production

(1) Account for all harvested mature shellfish production sold for the basic unit based on acceptable thirdparty records (see the CIH for record requirements for vertically integrated operation).

(2) Make entries in columns 49 through 52 For sold shellfish production as follows: Name and address of 

buyer. Document information on the Narrative. 

(3) If additional lines are necessary, the data may be entered on a continuation sheet. Use separate lines 

for: 

(a) varying names and addresses of buyers.

(b) varying shares; e.g., 50 percent and 75 percent shares in the basic unit. 
September 2023 FCIC-25980 26

Exhibit 4 Form Standards – Production Worksheet (Continued)

Section II – Determined Harvested Production (Continued)

(4) If there is harvested production from more than one insured practice and a separate approved APH 

yield has been established for each, the harvested production also must be entered on separate lines 

in columns 47 through 66 by practice, refer to the LAM. (Commingled production by commodity is not 

applicable, i.e., oyster production would not be commingled with clam production, etc.)

Element/Item Number Description

43. Date Harvest 

Completed (Used to 

determine if there is a 

delayed notice or a 

delayed claim. Refer to 

the LAM.)

PRELIMINARY: Make no entry.

FINAL:

The earlier of the date all harvested mature shellfish on the unit were: 

(1) sold; 

(2) totally destroyed; 

(3) put to other use; 

(4) a combination of sold, destroyed, or put to other use; or

(5) the calendar date for the EOIP.

44. Damage similar to 

other farms in the 

area?

Check “Yes” or “No.” Check “Yes” if the amount and cause of damage due 

to insurable causes is similar to the experience of growing locations in the 

area. If “No” is checked, explain in the “Narrative.”

45. Assignment of 

Indemnity

Check “Yes” only if an assignment of indemnity is in effect for the crop 

year; otherwise, check “No.” Refer to the LAM.

46. Transfer of Right to 

Indemnity

Check “Yes” only if a transfer of right to indemnity is in effect for the unit 

for the crop year; otherwise, check “No.” Refer to the LAM.

47a. Share Record only varying shares on basic unit to three decimal places.

47b. Growing Location ID 

Field

(a) If only one practice of mature production is listed in Section I, make 

no entry.

(b) If more than one practice of mature production is listed in Section I, 

and a separate approved APH yield exists, indicate for each practice 

the corresponding growing location ID (from Section I, column 16).

48. Multi-Crop Code Make no entry.

49. 55. Length or Diameter Enter name and address of buyer.

56. Shellfish Bu., Ton, Lbs., 

Cwt.

Strike through column heading. Enter the mature production in whole 

shellfish for the unit.

57. Shell/Sugar Factor Make no entry.

58a. FM % Make no entry.

58b. Factor Make no entry.
September 2023 FCIC-25980 27

Exhibit 4 Form Standards – Production Worksheet (Continued)

Element/Item Number Description

59a. Moisture % Make no entry.

59b. Factor Make no entry.

60a. Test Wt. Make no entry.

60b. Factor Make no entry.

61. Adjusted Production Transfer entry from Column 56.

62. Prod. Not to Count Net mature production NOT to count, in whole shellfish for the unit, when 

acceptable records identifying such production are available, which has 

been assessed an appraisal of not less than the guarantee for the growing 

location, or from other sources.

This entry must never exceed production shown on the same line. Explain 

any “production not to count” in the Narrative.

63. Production Pre-QA Result of subtracting column 62 from column 61. If no entry in column 62, 

transfer entry from Column 61.

64a. Value Make no entry.

64b. MKT Price Make no entry.

65. Quality Factor Make no entry, unless Paragraph 16 applies.

66. Production to Count Transfer entry from Column 63.

67. Total of Column 63. Total entries in column. If no entry in Column 63, make no entry.

For items 68. - 72. When separate line entries are made for varying shares, stages, APH yields, types, etc., 

within the basic unit, and totals need to be kept separate for calculating indemnities, make no entry and 

follow the AIP’s instructions. Otherwise, make the following entries.

Element/Item Number Description

68. Section II Total: PRELIMINARY: Make no entry.

FINAL: Total of Column 66.

69. Section I Total PRELIMINARY: Make no entry.

FINAL: Enter figure from Section I, Column 38 total.

70. Unit Total PRELIMINARY: Make no entry.

FINAL: Total of item 68 and item 69.

71. Allocated Prod Refer to the LAM for instructions for determining allocated production. 

Enter the total mature production of shellfish, allocated to this unit that is 

included in Sections I or II of the PW. Document how allocated production 

was determined and record supporting calculations in the Narrative or on 

a Special Report.
September 2023 FCIC-25980 28

Exhibit 4 Form Standards – Production Worksheet (Continued)

Element/Item Number Description

72. Total APH Prod. Result of subtracting the total of Column 37 (item 42 “Totals”) and item 71 

(Allocated Prod.) from item 70 (Unit Total). If no entries in Column 37 and 

item 71, transfer the entry in item 70. Make no entry when separate APH 

yields are maintained by practice, and so forth, within the unit.

The following required entries are not illustrated on the PW example below.

Element/Item Number Description

73. Insured’s Signature and 

Date 

Insured’s (or insured’s authorized representative’s) signature and date. 

Before obtaining the signature, review all entries on the PW with the 

insured (or insured’s authorized representative), particularly explaining 

codes, and so forth, that may not be readily understood.

Final indemnity inspections and final replanting payment inspections 

should be signed on bottom line.

74. Adjuster’s Signature, 

Code #, and Date

Signature of adjuster, code number, and date signed after the insured (or 

insured’s authorized representative) has signed. For an absentee insured, 

enter adjuster’s code number only. The signature and date will be entered 

after the absentee has signed and returned the PW.

Final indemnity inspections should be signed on bottom line.

75. Page PRELIMINARY: Page numbers - “1,” “2,” and so forth, at the time of 

inspection. 

FINAL: Page numbers (Example: Page 1 of 1, Page 1 of 2, Page 2 of 2, and 

so forth).
September 2023 FCIC-25980 29

Exhibit 4 Form Standards – Production Worksheet (Continued)

This form example does not illustrate all required entry items (e.g., signatures, dates, etc.)