Several weeks ago, the Big “I," along with other industry groups, sent letters to administration officials including Tom Vilsack, newly sworn-in Secretary of Agriculture and Rob Fairweather, acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, as well as congressional leaders urging them to oppose any cuts to the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) in President Biden's FY2022 budget.

Due to delays with the transition between the Trump and Biden administrations, the release of President Biden's budget is significantly delayed.

Specifically, the widely supported letter notes that “the last several years have brought an onslaught of uncertainty for America's farmers and ranchers—from weather extremes, to the disruptions of international markets, to COVID-19 and all of its unique challenges. During this tumultuous time, one of the few certainties that farmers could rely on was the protection provided by their Federal crop insurance policy."

As with every budget announcement, the Big “I" expects attacks on the FCIP and will continue to advocate for a robust and strong FCIP.

Joseph Cortina is staff administrator, Big “I" crop insurance task force.