Crop Insurers Send House Ag Committee a Letter of Support

One day prior to the House Agriculture Committee’s scheduled mark-up of the 2018 Farm Bill, crop insurers and agents sent Committee leaders a letter of support.  That letter can be read in its entirety below:

April 17, 2018

The Honorable Mike Conaway
The Honorable Collin Peterson
House Committee on Agriculture
1301 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC  20515

Dear Chairman Conaway and Ranking Member Peterson:

Over the past three years, Committee members have heard from hundreds of farmers spanning all corners of the country during field hearings and listening sessions.  One common refrain has reverberated throughout rural America: Crop insurance is a top Farm Bill priority.

Support has been widespread, from the Texas farmer who explained, “Crop insurance is indispensable,” to the Illinois grower who left a lasting impression by saying, “Crop insurance is working; don’t screw it up.”

H.R. 2, the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, took these recommendations to heart and maintained a strong crop insurance system.  We applaud the Committee’s continued support of crop insurance, and we look forward to working with you both to get a Farm Bill with a strong crop insurance title across the finish line this year.

Unfortunately, some farm policy critics are targeting crop insurance for harmful cuts and changes.  Legislative proposals to limit farmer participation and make private-sector delivery less viable would have devastating effects as rural America deals with a depressed economy and farmers cope with the aftermath of weather disasters.

As you continue to work to oppose these harmful crop insurance proposals on the House floor, rest assured that America’s crop insurers and agents will be there to assist in any way needed.

Sincerely,

American Association of Crop Insurers
Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau
Crop Insurance Professionals Association
Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America
National Association of Professional Insurance Agents
National Crop Insurance Services