Environmental group targets crop insurance

An environmental group with ties to the current administration is calling for changes to farmer crop insurance. The National Resources Council released a 60-page report outlining a long list of proposals.

Among them, changes to federal programs to promote the use of “regenerative” practices like cover crops. The group also wants changes to the federal crop insurance program. For example, farmers should get a higher premium subsidy or a lower premium rate when they work to improve soil health.

They also say that farmers should not be allowed to exclude bad years from their yield history, a move that would reduce a grower’s coverage. The group’s former CEO is Gina McCarthy, who is now the White House Climate Advisor.

Related:

How crop insurance subsidies have led to fewer, larger farms

What to keep in mind this growing season when it comes to crop insurance