AFBF Calls for Federal Help for Farmers

Washington--American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman released a statement Thursday calling for a strengthened federal crop insurance program to help farmers meet disasters like the current drought. In his statement, he said, “this drought and the uncertainty it is causing farmers and ranchers and other segments of our industry underscores the importance of completing action on the 2012 farm bill.

“Providing farmers with improved risk management tools is a core principle of both the House and Senate versions of the pending farm bill, one we have strongly advocated,” continued Stallman. “Both the Senate-passed and House Agriculture Committee versions contain new tools that will assist farmers, while restoring several expired provisions that would help livestock producers manage the weather-related risks that regularly impact their livelihoods. We remain hopeful congressional leaders will expedite their work on this vital legislation.”