(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.) \u2014 Passage of the Farm Bill, which cemented crop insurance as the cornerstone of farm policy, proves that crop insurance\u2019s popularity among farmers has reached an all-time high, said Tim Weber, Chairman of the American Association of Crop Insurers and National Crop Insurance Services.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I had to sum up the story of the crop insurance industry in one simple statement, I think it would have to be \u2018We\u2019ve made a lot progress but our best years remain ahead of us,\u2019\u201d Weber said today during his opening remarks at the annual conference sponsored by National Crop Insurance Services and the American Association of Crop Insurers.<\/p>\n
Since its inception in 1938, crop insurance has steadily evolved and today protects 90 percent of planted cropland in America. The industry won widespread praise in agricultural circles and on Capitol Hill for helping rural America quickly rebound after the devastating droughts of 2011 and 2012.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere can be no question that when it comes to managing the risks posed by Mother Nature or volatile world markets, Federal crop insurance has no equal,\u201d he said, adding \u201cthis success was achieved all the while overall federal spending on farm programs has trended down.\u201d<\/p>\n
In order for crop insurance to remain viable as farmers\u2019 primary risk management tool, the crop insurance infrastructure must remain financially strong, he said. Additionally, effective risk management tools, program integrity, and widespread participation will be paramount. For crop insurance to remain successful it must remain affordable and available to all.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe applaud our congressional leaders for overwhelmingly passing a Farm Bill that strengthens, not weakens, our commitment to crop insurance even in the face of federal spending pressure,\u201d Weber concluded. \u201cI truly believe that 10 years down the road, when we look back at the 2014 Farm Bill, it will be elevated to one of the major legislative initiatives that established landmark developments for crop insurance and production agriculture.\u201d<\/p>\n
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