WASHINGTON, DC (July 20, 2022) – Today, Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau (CIRB) member Bob Haney testified in front of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management on the importance of crop insurance and the vital role it plays in providing risk management to farmers and ranchers across the country. Haney, Executive Chairman of Approved Insurance Provider (AIP) AgriSompo North America, stressed the importance of continued support for the current “3-legged stool” crop insurance model, as well as continued flexibility for farmers to ensure coverage allows them to make the best decisions for their business and the environment alike.
Crop insurance, in its current form, is designed through a model in which AIPs and the federal government share in the risk of the policies. Farmers pay a premium and must meet a deductible before receiving a payment. Thereby, all three parties have a financial stake in ensuring the success and integrity of the program.
“This ‘3-legged stool’ concept is the key to the success of the crop insurance program, which is envied around the world as a fair and successful means of supporting agricultural production and our food supply,” said Haney. “As it currently stands, crop insurance successfully meets the needs of hundreds of thousands of farmers, and we believe the program can be used to solve future challenges in agriculture.”
Crop insurance allows farmers and ranchers, of diverse scale and business model, to evaluate their needs and choose a product that works for them. This flexibility to mitigate risk has direct impact on growers’ ability to invest in and implement climate-smart practices.
“As an industry, we want to continue to be farmers’ first line of defense against climate change, while offering them the flexibility to implement conservation practices in a way that maintains the integrity of the program,” said CIRB Deputy Executive Vice President Tara Smith.
In his testimony, Haney shared that maintaining the intended structure of the program, safeguarding current funding, and incentive-based options are essential as lawmakers discuss the intersection of climate and crop insurance.
“Crop insurance is a critical tool for farmers as they adapt to changing climate pressures. Weakening the program in any way will do more harm to farmers coping with weather and climate challenges, and will only increase the need for ad-hoc disaster programs,” said Haney.
As conversations regarding the upcoming farm bill continue, CIRB stands ready to ensure that crop insurance, as it currently stands, remains a viable tool for farmers and ranchers across the country.
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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