WASHINGTON, D.C.—Young farmers would get a boost from a bipartisan proposal by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) as generational turnover looms in the agriculture industry.
The Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act would expand who qualifies for federal crop insurance programs meant for beginning farmers. Current law covers the first five crop years, and the bill would double that “beginning farmer” definition to the first 10 years.
The legislation would increase premium subsidies for veteran farmers.
“I am proud to introduce common-sense legislation that extends vital crop and livestock insurance protections to new, beginning and veteran farmers to lower their insurance payments for their first 10 years in business,” Feenstra said.
The Hull Republican introduced the bill on June 6, co-sponsored by Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minnesota).
It is part of Feenstra’s legislative push toward this year’s Farm Bill, which has to pass the GOP-held House and a Senate controlled by the Democrats. Feenstra has referred to farm policy as a relatively easy area to find common ground. He and Craig sit on the House Agriculture Committee.
Feenstra said securing long-term food production is a legislative priority that benefits everyone.
U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) talks about crop insurance with industry representatives March 15 at Huisenga Pearson Agency in Sibley. He recently introduced a bill that would expand federal protection programs for beginning farmers.
“I am confident that this investment in the next generation of producers will pay dividends for our economic vitality, grow our rural communities and keep Iowa farmland in the hands of Iowa farmers where it rightfully belongs,” he said.
Farmers getting older is an imminent problem for the ag industry.
Just over a third of all farmland is owned by people older than 65. Less than a tenth is owned by those under 35. The country’s total number of farms also has dropped to about 2 million in 2022 from three times that a century ago.
Feenstra said the next generation needs a boost to get ready to take over the sector.
Earlier this year, Feenstra formed his Agriculture Advisory Board, which includes dozens of ag producers and experts from Iowa’s 4th Congressional District.
“These same producers are extremely concerned — as am I — that our young farmers face major hurdles to succeed in today’s bleak economy,” Feenstra said. “As inflation breaks records, interest rates increase and economic uncertainty persists, it is exceedingly difficult for the next generation of producers to enter the farming community and make a good living.”
The board is meant to draw attention to issues and offer solutions that can be addressed in the 2023 Farm Bill. The legislation is renewed every five years as the main piece of federal farm policy.
The agriculture mega-bill is expected to be formally assembled, debated and voted on later this summer.
Chuck Conner of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives said the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act would make for a strong inclusion in this year’s Farm Bill.
“Crop insurance is a critical risk management tool for farmers across the country and this bill contains important reforms to help the next generation of producers effectively utilize the program,” Conner said.
After nutrition programs, the second-largest chunk of the Farm Bill goes to crop insurance. Nearly $100 million in federal dollars goes to production protection every year.
“We want to make sure that our agenda gets in the Farm Bill,” Feenstra said. “We’re the second largest ag district in the country, the 4th District is, that’s why it’s so important.”
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