Crop Insurance Highlighted in House Hearing
By: Joseph Cortina
Last week, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management held “A Hearing to Review the Efficacy of the Farm Safety Net.” The purpose of the hearing was to examine the various farm safety net programs, of which agents play a crucial role, and their true benefits to the farming community.
At the hearing, there was overwhelming bipartisan support for the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) and the critical role it plays in farm communities and food security. Specifically, Subcommittee Chair Cheri Bustos (D-Illinois) noted the FCIP is a vital risk management tool for farmers.
The hearing also touched on disaster programs and their relationship with FCIP. Important for Big “I” members, Committee Ranking Member Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-Pennsylvania) noted that any disaster program should complement, not compete with, the FCIP.
As with every Congress, the Big “I” expects some attacks on FCIP and will continue to advocate for a strong and robust FCIP.
Joseph Cortina is staff administrator of Big “I” Crop Subcommittee.
