Farm Bill Conferees Speak out for Crop Insurance

Farm Bill conferees from the House and the Senate got together yesterday for a public meeting, and the 56 legislators in attendance were each given three minutes to discuss their priorities.

In the hours of testimony that followed, not a single negative word about crop insurance was uttered.  But, there were plenty of accolades.

Below is a collection of some of what was said about crop insurance.

 “We can all agree that our farmers should have robust risk management tools, including strong crop insurance assistance and new tools for our dairy farmers who’ve been struggling. … I do not believe these critical programs should be targeted for cuts.”

-Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)

 “We both start out recognizing that crop insurance is number one, right? So we maintain crop insurance. That’s our number one risk management tool for our farmers on the safety net.”

-Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND)

 “We’ve protected a strong safety net by maintaining a crop insurance program that will allow producers to stay competitive and be more innovative.”

-Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA)

 “Farm country needs a multi-year bill that protects crop insurance, tightens the safety net, opens markets, and makes responsible investments in our communities.”

-Rep. Roger Marshall (R-KS)

The House and Senate bills both maintain “the highest priority of our farmers and that is the maintenance of a good crop insurance program. I heard it at every town hall, every forum, and every conversation with a farmer.”

-Rep. Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

“As a member of the House Ag committee, I also understand the necessity of this bill in strengthening several key provisions. This includes protecting crop insurance….”

-Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-IL)