This week, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management held “A Hearing to Review Farm Policy with Undersecretary Robert Bonnie". The purpose of the hearing was to conduct oversight of the 2018 Farm Bill and how its various policies have impacted farmers and communities.

At the hearing, there was overwhelming bipartisan support for the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP), the critical role it plays in farm communities and food security, and how the 2018 Farm Bill further strengthened the program.

 “As our farmers continue to experience more extreme weather events, it is important that we continue to ensure that they are supported through these difficult times," said Subcommittee Chair Cheri Bustos (D-Illinois).

Additionally, Undersecretary Bonnie noted, “The tools Congress provided in the 2018 Farm Bill further strengthened crop insurance programs, and I'm glad to report that producers have already benefited from these improvements to this strong public-private partnership."

The hearing also touched on understaffing at Farm Service Agency offices and issues pertaining to covered crops.

As the 2023 Farm Bill approaches, the Big “I" will continue to advocate for a strong and robust FCIP.

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