WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) reintroduced two pieces of legislation—the Farm Board Act and the Mid-South Oilseed Double Cropping Study Act—to improve opportunities and increase market access for Alabama’s agriculture community. More information about both bills can be found below.
“Our farmers, foresters, and livestock producers shoulder an enormous burden of keeping America’s food secure,” said Senator Tuberville. “They need to be able to make a living off the land, and they need to have a FCIC Board of Directors that fully reflects their needs. I’m proud to reintroduce legislation that strengthens representation on the FCIC Board, and another piece of legislation that would help solidify a new revenue opportunity for our farmers while also addressing the growing need for renewable diesels and synthetic aviation fuels. As Alabama’s voice on the Senate Ag Committee, I’ll continue fighting to secure opportunities for our ag producers as they feed, fuel, and clothe our country.”
“I commend Coach on each piece of legislation,” said Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate. “The Farm Board Act will ensure representation for production agriculture to the FCIC Board of Directors while the Mid-South Oil Seed Bill will help pave the way for another alternative crop for producers to consider growing based on the demand for renewable fuel. I look forward to Coach getting each bill to the finish line.”
“We appreciate Coach’s continued support of Alabama farmers and his steadfast dedication to supporting innovation while managing risk by increasing availability and oversight of crop insurance programs,” said Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “With more offerings than ever for livestock producers, it is important these farmers have representation on the FCIC Board. Additionally, as farmers are looking at alternative crops to supplement their income, the Mid-South Oilseed Double Cropping Study Act will help to make sure they have the appropriate risk management tools available.”
ABOUT THE FARM BOARD ACT:
The Farm Board Act would require the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) Board of Directors to designate one of the four producers on the ten-member board as an individual that produces both livestock and crops. The FCIC is a government owned corporation that finances the Federal Crop Insurance Program’s (FCIP) operations. Making this addition would improve perspective and decisions regarding the newer livestock related crop insurance products that benefit all areas of Alabama’s agriculture industry. The designated producer seat would not start immediately, but when Board members begin to cycle off on May 1, 2027.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA), Alabama Department of Ag & Industries, and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association are all supportive of Senator Tuberville’s legislation. More information about the Farm Board Act can be found here.
ABOUT THE MID-SOUTH OILSEED DOUBLE CROPPING STUDY ACT:
This bill requests a study from the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) on winter oilseed crops, canola, and rapeseed (which is a type of canola) for the Mid-South region—Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Alabama producers are starting to grow canola as a second crop—following soybeans—and the crop can be used to produce Synthetic Aviation Fuel (SAF), which creates an additional market for our producers. This also enables Alabama farmers to expand revenue opportunities during the winter months and helps reduce nutrient losses in the soil. For farmers to take advantage of opportunities in renewable diesel and SAF, 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 to gather data on the feasibility of producing winter oilseed as a double and rotational crop in the Mid-South region.
The diversification of our energy markets by adding new, cost-effective, and sustainable options is necessary. Renewable domestic diesel capacity is slated for aggressive growth with the potential to double by 2030. Additionally, the 106-billion-gallon global commercial jet fuel market is projected to grow to over 230 billion gallons by 2050. The end goal is to get a study now, then down the road have double cropped canola and rapeseed be covered by crop insurance.
U.S. Canola Association, National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA), Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA), and the Alabama Department of Ag & Industries are all supportive of Senator Tuberville’s legislation. More information about the Mid-South Oilseed Double Cropping Study Act can be found here.
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.
###
