Last week, the Big “I,” along with other industry groups, sent a letter to Sonny Perdue, secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Russell Vought, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, urging them to oppose any cuts to the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) in the president’s FY2021 budget.

President Trump’s budget is expected in early 2020 and historically has included cuts to the FCIP. The letter re-emphasizes the importance of the FCIP and notes that “crop insurance is a linchpin of the farm safety net and is crucial to the economic and food and fiber security of urban and rural America.” The letter also notes the critical role the FCIP played in protecting communities during the historic precipitation in the Midwest and South.

As with every year, the Big “I” expects additional attacks on the FCIP and will continue to advocate for a robust and strong FCIP.

Joseph Cortina is Big “I” director, federal government affairs.