WASHINGTON SENDS FARM PROGRAM CHECKS, SUGGESTS CUTS TO CROP INSURANCE

Tricia Braid

Oct 27, 2015  |  Today's News

***UPDATE***

Congress Passes Budget/Debt Ceiling Deal after Crop Insurance Fix

The full House and Senate this week approved a two-year budget agreement – complete with a federal debt ceiling increase – hammered out with the White House, but not before relenting on cuts to federal crop insurance which threatened to derail the carefully balanced pact.  Swift congressional action, despite some vocal naysayers, avoided a November 3 debt ceiling showdown.

Previous story:

Just as farm program checks started to be deposited into farmers’ checking accounts for the 2014 crop, news broke that some in Washington are proposing a $3 billion cut to the nation’s crop insurance program. The farm program check deposit figures were lowered, as well, at a 6.8% level due to sequestration. Illinois Corn Growers Association supports the farm bill program at originally structured levels and is disappointed to see that the program remains subject to sequestration especially since the industry proactively cut the farm bill budget as it was moving through Congress.

Illinois corn farmers have told our office that the crop insurance program is your first priority in the farm bill. It was reported to our office this morning that not everyone in Congress is happy with the proposed $3 billion cut to the crop insurance program. The cut would likely be accomplished by reducing the premium subsidy by 10%. Despite opposition, it may be difficult to change the plan at this time.

The deal was reached by White House and congressional leaders on a two-year budget plan that also would raise the federal debt limit.

Today, Agriculture Committee Chairmen Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Rep. K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, and Ranking Members Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., made the following statements on the budget deal.

The Members of Congress stand united against reopening the 2014 Farm Bill to further cuts, emphasizing that the proposed cuts to crop insurance in the budget agreement would undermine a critical risk management tool for American agriculture producers and consumers.

“Farmers and ranchers have done more than their fair share to reduce government spending,” said Chairman Roberts. “To target the number one priority for producers with additional cuts will undermine the delivery of this important protection for agriculture. While Congressional leaders may sell this package as providing budget stability, it is anything but stable for farmers and ranchers. It took years to negotiate and pass a new Farm Bill. Producers have signed contracts and purchased policies. These proposals to make further cuts to the crop insurance program were not included in the House or Senate passed budgets, in any appropriations bills or in the President’s budget request. Once again, our leaders are attempting to govern by backroom deals where the devil is in the details. I will continue to oppose any attempts to cut crop insurance funding or to change crop insurance program policies.”

“Make no mistake, this is not about saving money. It is about eliminating Federal Crop Insurance,” said Chairman Conaway. “The House Agriculture Committee was not consulted regarding any changes to policies under the jurisdiction of our committee. This provision is opposed by an overwhelming majority or our committee members. It was debated and defeated during the 2014 farm bill process, and to move forward with it now breaks faith with the American producer. I am working alongside many of my colleagues to have the provision removed. If it is not removed, I will vote against this bill and work to defeat its passage. The American people deserve better than continued backroom deals struck in the middle of the night that entirely undercut the legislative process.”

“I oppose any efforts to cut or reopen Farm Bill programs. It is particularly disappointing to see cuts to crop insurance in the budget agreement,” said Ranking Member Stabenow. “These types of cuts only undermine the economic certainty that the Farm Bill provides. The Farm Bill made meaningful reforms to help reduce the deficit. Any attempts to reopen any part of the Farm Bill to more cuts would be a major set-back for rural America and our efforts to create jobs.”

“We made major cuts when we wrote the Farm Bill,” said Ranking Member Peterson. “It is not appropriate to cut agriculture again. The Farm Bill should not be raided. I oppose any cuts.”