Most 1999 crops are near maturity or already in the bin. Many farmers have already paid the insurance bill on those crops. But, a shortfall in the government subsidy for that crop insurance may mean farmers will get a second bill for their 1999 coverage, writes Successful Farming crops editor Larry Reichenberger. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation to help our nation's farmers cope with the risks inherent in production agriculture. My colleagues are familiar with the challenges facing American farmers.
Prices are down world-wide.
Exports are lower than expected, in large part due to the economic problems in Asia. Weather problems, from droughts to floods, have plagued large portions of our country. The Senate has passed, and a conference committee is considering, an agricultural appropriations bill that contains emergency provisions to deal with these immediate needs. Given these available funds, the question for policymakers is how best to help farmers manage the risks that they face. I believe that risk management is broader than crop insurance alone.