The requirement between program benefits and Federal crop insurance was referred to as linkage. Provisions of FAIR permit carryover insureds to cancel CAT level policies or allow producers of spring planted crops to enroll in crop insurance at the CAT level during an extended sales period. FAIR provides the Secretary discretion in structuring the required waivers.
Waivers can be generic, applying to some or all crops grown on a farm and for multiple years.
Waivers are effective for all crop year 1996 crops. A waiver can be designated as effective until canceled. To this extent, linkage under the crop insurance reform program still exists. For 1996 crops, waivers can be provided up until the application for the linked benefit. By signing a waiver, a producer does not forego the ability to purchase Federal crop insurance.