“Agriculture is the foundation of our economy.”
WASHINGTON — Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) introduced two pieces of legislation—the Farm Board Act and the Mid-South Oilseed Double Cropping Study Act of 2023—to improve opportunities and representation for Alabama’s agriculture community.
“Agriculture is the foundation of our economy,” Senator Tuberville said.“That’s why I am proud to work on a bipartisan basis with Senators Warnock and Welch to introduce the Farm Board Act, legislation that will work to ensure our livestock producers have a seat at the table on the FCIC Board. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to unveil more risk management tools to help our cattle and livestock producers in Alabama, and we want the Board to reflect their needs. I am also proud to stand united with my fellow Senators from Alabama and Tennessee to advocate for a new revenue opportunity for our farmers in the Southeast to produce canola and rapeseed. With the growing demand for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuels, our producers will have enhanced opportunities to use productive acres during the winter months to earn a paycheck; now we just need the data to address the crop insurance gaps.”
ABOUT THE FARM BOARD ACT:
The Farm Board Act, led by Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) would make changes to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation’s (FCIC) ten-member Board of Directors. The FCIC is a government-owned corporation that finances the federal crop insurance program’s (FCIP’s) operations. There are currently four seats for agricultural producers on the board, of which one must be a producer of specialty crops. This bill designates two of the remaining three open seats for farmers on the FCIC Board and then leaves the final seat open. The current structure of the board will not be affected by this legislation and will occur for appointments to the Board for a period of service beginning October 1, 2024, or later.
The two seats would be:
- A producer of both livestock and crops.
- An underserved producer—that is, an individual that is: (I) a beginning farmer or rancher; (II) a veteran farmer or rancher; or (III) a socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher.
“The members of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board of Directors should reflect the farmers who their policies impact,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “The FCIC plays a crucial role in ensuring farmers aren’t financially ruined by a poor season or a natural disaster. I’m proud to partner with Senator Tuberville on this effort to ensure livestock and underserved producers have a seat at the FCIC Board’s table—this representation will be a net positive for Georgia farmers and families.”
“As the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and RMA continue to introduce more risk management tools for livestock producers, it is important to have farmers on the board who produce both row crops and livestock to offer their perspective,” said Jimmy Parnell, President of Alabama Farmers Federation.
“We appreciate Senator Tuberville’s continued support of agriculture and particularly the livestock sector,” said the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. “Changes to risk management programs have allowed increased access for cattlemen to utilize these tools effectively, so representation on this board is greatly appreciated.”
ABOUT THE MID-SOUTH OILSEED DOUBLE CROPPING STUDY ACT OF 2023:
The Mid-South Oilseed Double Cropping Study Act of 2023, led by Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Senator Katie Britt (R-AL), Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), would request a study from the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) on the gap in crop insurance coverage for certain winter oilseed crops, specifically canola and rapeseed, and double cropping policies. For farmers to take advantage of opportunities in renewable diesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel, they need the assurance that crop insurance—such as Catastrophic Risk Protection, Yield Protection, Revenue Protection, or Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion—will be eligible in their counties for these crops and practices. To address crop insurance gaps that may exist, RMA and FCIC need analysis of winter oilseed crop and double-cropping production practices and opportunities.
As we have seen over the past couple of years, the diversification of our energy markets by adding new, cost-effective, and sustainable options is necessary. As a result, the agriculture industry has the opportunity not only to feed the world but also fuel the world. For example, there is a growing demand for renewable diesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), that can be met with the increased production of crops oilseed crops like canola and rapeseed. Renewable domestic diesel capacity is slated for aggressive growth with the potential to double by 2030. Additionally, the 106-billion-gallon global (21-billion-gallon domestic) commercial jet fuel market is projected to grow to over 230 billion gallons by 2050. By growing winter crops and double cropping, Alabama farmers can earn more money during off seasons by providing feedstocks to this new market, while also securing benefits for their farms like reducing nutrient losses and improving soil quality.
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.
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