CIRB Member Urges Congress to Protect Critical Farm Safety Net: Crop Insurance

WASHINGTON, DC (May 4, 2023) – Today, Head of Rural Community Insurance Services (RCIS) and Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) member, Jason Meador testified in front of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Commodities, Risk Management, and Trade. Through his remarks, Meador addressed three key topics to consider as Farm Bill discussions move forward: the intersection of climate and crop insurance, ensuring the funding of disaster programs remain separate from crop insurance funding, and the importance of an effective and efficient 508(h) process to develop new and innovative crop insurance products.

Overall, Meador emphasized the critical role crop insurance plays for farmers across the United States as they manage risk. He urged Congress to maintain program flexibility that allows farmers to make decisions based on the unique challenges facing their region and individual operations, and ensure the future integrity of the program through a continued strong public-private partnership.

“I believe that crop insurance is the best tool available to farmers to manage the risks they face and to protect their livelihoods,” said Meador. “Crop insurance successfully meets the needs of hundreds of thousands of farmers today and we believe can address additional challenges.”

Meador discussed how crop insurance remains farmers’ first line of defense against climate change and natural disasters, reminding decision-makers that any intersection between crop insurance and climate should be incentive-based and crop insurance funds should not be considered as a way to pay for the development of additional disaster programs.

Meador’s testimony aligns with CIRB’s main priority for the upcoming Farm Bill: protect and preserve crop insurance, ensuring that all farmers—whether they are first generation or continuing the family legacy—can utilize this critical risk management tool to ensure the success of their operation for years to come.

About CIRB:

Founded in 1964 and headquartered on Capitol Hill, the Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) is proud to provide unparalleled advocacy, support, and membership services to the crop insurance and reinsurance community. Today, CIRB members provide a vital component of the farm safety net, writing policies in every state and providing billions of dollars in crop protection. Learn more about us at www.cropinsurance.org. To learn more about CIRB’s work, or to get involved, please contact CIRB staff.

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