Lafayette Reporter

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana has reintroduced the Quality Loss Adjustment Improvement for Farmers Act. The bill, aimed at aiding farmers who suffer crop losses, proposes enhancements to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation's (FCIC) discount setting process.

Kennedy, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, stated that "too often, federal insurers give American farmers short shrift when regional disasters damage their crops." He emphasized that the legislation seeks to prevent unpredictable government policies from determining the fate of farms in Louisiana.

The proposed act would enable the FCIC to review its methodology for determining discounts on insurance for farmers experiencing crop loss. It would also involve stakeholders in setting these discounts and mandate a report post-review.

Additionally, the bill would allow the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) to establish regional discount considerations for extreme weather events and natural disasters.

Rep. Julia Letlow of Louisiana has introduced similar legislation in the House of Representatives. She remarked on the significant impact sudden crop losses due to severe weather have on farmers and highlighted her efforts to provide them with necessary support through flexible federal crop insurance programs.

The full text of the Quality Loss Adjustment Improvement for Farmers Act is available online.