Policy Experts Seek Better Safety Net for Farmers

At the National Farmers Union Convention, agricultural policy leaders addressed key farm policy challenges, including legislative uncertainty in Washington. “I think right now, the easiest way to describe Capitol Hill is a bit chaotic,” said Brad Weddelman, majority chief economist, Senate Agriculture Committee. “There’s a lot going on with a new administration, new chairman.” Despite the turbulence, Weddelman stressed that Chairman John Boozman remains focused on passing a five-year farm bill with a stronger safety net. “He’s preached that over and over again. That is his goal for this year,” he said. The conversation also centered on improving disaster assistance programs for farmers. Harlea Hoelscher, a professional staffer for the House Ag Committee, outlined House Farm Bill provisions aimed at strengthening relief efforts. “Chairman (Glenn ‘GT’) Thompson followed the principle of how we can bolster the programs that we already have and make them work better for producers.” Proposed changes include adjusting AGI limits to expand Non-insured Disaster Assistance Program participation and enhancing crop insurance as a risk management tool.