By Andi Anderson
Farmers across Michigan are urging Congress to expand crop insurance coverage in the upcoming farm bill. The current farm bill is set to expire on January 1, 2024, and farmers are concerned that they will lose vital protection against crop losses if Congress does not act soon.
"Crop insurance is essential for farmers to manage the risks of farming," said John Kran, national legislative counsel for Michigan Farm Bureau. "Without crop insurance, many farmers would not be able to afford to plant a crop."
Kran said that farmers are particularly concerned about the impacts of climate change on crop yields. He said that more frequent and severe weather events, such as droughts and floods, are making it more difficult for farmers to predict and manage their risks.
"Crop insurance can help farmers weather the storms and continue to produce food for our growing population," Kran said.
In addition to expanding crop insurance coverage, Michigan farmers are also advocating for increased funding for research on climate-resilient crops. They argue that research is needed to develop new crops that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate.
"We need to invest in research now so that we can be prepared for the challenges of the future," Kran said. "Our farmers are the backbone of our economy, and we need to do everything we can to support them."
Photo Credit: gettyimages-luc-pouliot
Categories: Michigan, Crops