Farm policy experts are expressing concern that continued delays in passage of a permanent farm bill are exposing the federal crop insurance program to potential budget cuts.
Iowa State University farm business management specialist Steve Johnson says it's likely that there will be a decrease in federal subsidies for crop insurance in the next farm bill-which means crop insurance could be more expensive and more restricted going forward.
"I will be amazed if these subsidies stay at these levels for 2014, '15, '16 and '17-the four years that will probably encompass this next farm bill," Johnson says.
During debate on the 2012 farm bill, some congressmen-and some farm groups, like the Farmers Union-supported placing limits on the amount of crop insurance premium subsidies that farmers can receive. Farmers Union believes crop insurance subsidies should be targeted to "family-sized farmers".
Source: brownfieldagnews.com