The sugarbeet industry is seeking changes in the WHIP+ disaster program, allowing the payments to pass through the sugarbeet cooperatives. Pro Farmer policy analyst Jim Wiesemeyer says this proposal must address complicated issues, like payment limitations. “That is an issue and one of the reasons why they haven’t announced the final rules; frankly, this is the first time they’ve done a major program through the co-ops.” Wiesemeyer says USDA is taking its time, making sure the issue is handled appropriately. “They know the General Accountability Office will be looking the operation of the program and the farm program naysayers, especially the sugar program naysayers, will be out there if anything goes awry relative to this disaster program.”
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