Ag coalition formed to defend role of farm safety net

A coalition of more than 40 commodity groups, lending organizations, and other agricultural stakeholders led by the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau sent a letter Tuesday urging Congress to defend a strong farm safety net.

Click here to read the letter.

"Last year's widespread crop losses clearly demonstrate the need for crop insurance protection delivered by the private sector," said CIRB Chairman Greg Mills of ADM Risk Services. "Farmers, their lenders and suppliers, and stakeholders from across the industry agree that the program must remain a viable, affordable tool for managing risk."

Crop insurance has become the cornerstone of most farmers' risk management portfolios and is delivered through an effective public-private partnership.

"Crop insurance helps protect farmers and ranchers of all sizes from losses that are beyond their control," CIRB Executive Vice President Michael Torrey said. "Despite record drought, farmers were back in the fields without additional assistance - thanks to crop insurance."

Diverse groups came together to sign the letter in order to celebrate the importance of today's strong and effective crop insurance program. The letter also opposes any changes to crop insurance that would discourage producer participation or undermine private sector delivery. The groups urge Congress to defend the program during future agriculture policy debates.

CIRB will continue to actively work to ensure that the crop insurance and reinsurance community's voice is heard in D.C. To learn more about the letter, or to sign your organization on to the message, contact cirbnews@cropinsurance.org.

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