A specialty crop grower pleads for lawmakers to update the crop insurance program in the next Farm Bill

Tariffs are top of mind but farmers are still eager to get a new Farm Bill on the books.

One specialty crop grower recently told lawmakers their crop insurance has not had attention since the 1980s.

“Specialty crops have less support, higher risk, and unfortunately, a weaker risk mitigation system to rely on than our friends with row crops. Right now, our industry relies on an outdated crop insurance program that USDA help set up in the 190s. We need to correct this immediately to help ensure our farm’s survival,” said Ben Eicheverry, a New Mexico chile grower.

Related Stories
House lawmakers push toward a Farm Bill vote as debate grows over E15, Prop 12, and input costs, with farmers seeking certainty and policy updates.
Discussions focused on rising costs and the future of farm policy.
Rep. Adrian Smith joins us to discuss the push for nationwide year-round E15 sales and legislative hurdles for getting it into the farm bill.
Farm Credit’s Christy Seyfert joined us to discuss the ag industry’s push for swift Farm Bill action as it heads toward a House vote.
RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper joined us to discuss the proposed E15 amendment in the Farm Bill, industry reaction to the legislation, and the outlook for year-round E15 sales.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins hints at new fertilizer plan while trade deals, soybean markets, and farm bill momentum drive ag policy discussion.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Tennessee corn and soy farmer Josh Ogle joins us to discuss rapid planting progress in the state, improving moisture conditions, and early crop development challenges in the MidSouth region.
Paul Neiffer joined us to explain how USDA’s base acre expansion will be calculated, outline key deadlines for farmers, and discuss how the changes tie into farm program decisions and the broader Farm Bill outlook.
Chad Fiechter joins us to discuss Purdue’s precision ag study, challenges in capturing value from technology, and what farmers should consider when investing in and adopting these tools.
Ethanol demand held together last week, but lower production and thinner stocks put more focus on export strength. Production capacity is also strengthening over time and benefiting soybean farmers.
Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum discusses USDA’s efforts to expand fertilizer capacity, signals for farm profitability, and AFBF’s Farm Bill expectations.