Late last week the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Nutrition Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kansas) and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) introduced a  bipartisan Farm Bill,  the “Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018.” The bill passed by a 20-1 vote out of the Committee yesterday. The Senate is expected to consider the bill later this month. 

The bill makes some changes to the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP), but overall aims to keep the program status quo. The Big “I” joined other insurance and agriculture organizations in sending a letter of support for the bill.

Of note for crop insurance agents, the bill would increase agent incentives for the sale of Whole Farm Revenue policies in certain circumstances, as well as make other changes to the product. The Big “I” and others have raised concerns that the Whole Farm Revenue provisions may have unintended consequences and will continue to work with members of the Senate on the provisions. The bill would also increase funding for agent and adjuster training. 

As the bill moves to the Senate floor, the Big “I” and others will focus on defeating potential amendments that would undermine the FCIP by increasing the cost of crop insurance for farmers, reducing the number of farmers eligible for crop insurance or weakening the efficient and effective private sector delivery system.

Meanwhile, the House currently has a June 22 deadline to reconsider its version of the Farm Bill which failed to pass the chamber by a vote of 198 to 213 in May.  

Jennifer Webb is Big “I” federal government affairs counsel.