This week, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee's Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management held a hearing titled “A 2022 Review of the Farm Bill: Stakeholder Perspectives on Title XI Crop Insurance." The purpose of the hearing was to gather stakeholder and industry perspectives on the current state of the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP). 

Members on both side of the aisle expressed support for the FCIP and the critical role it plays in food security and for farmers across the country. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Illinois), subcommittee chairwoman, noted that “the program has been and continues to be a central risk management tool for producers across the country, and it has continued to grow and evolve to address the challenges and risks our producers are facing." 

The hearing also touched on administrative and operating (A&O) expenses as it pertains to specialty crops. Due to the current high price of commodities, the A&O subsidy for specialty crop policies is lower for the 2021 reinsurance year. The subsidy is also expected to be lower for the 2022 reinsurance year. 

As with every Congress, the Big “I" expects some attacks on FCIP and will continue to advocate for a strong and robust program.

Joseph Cortina is staff administrator, Big “I" crop insurance task force.