WASHINGTON – To improve opportunities and increase market access for Alabama’s agriculture community, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville reintroduced two pieces of legislation Wednesday – the Farm Board Act and Mid-South Oilseed Double Cropping Study Act.
“Our farmers, foresters, and livestock producers shoulder an enormous burden of keeping America’s food secure,” said Tuberville (R-Auburn). “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.”
The Farm Board Act would require the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board of Directors to designate one of the four producers on the 10-member board as an individual who produces livestock and crops.
The FCIC is a government owned corporation that finances the Federal Crop Insurance Program’s 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 Mid-South Oilseed Double Cropping Study Act requests a study from the USDA Risk Management Agency 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, which creates an additional market for the producers.
“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.”
The Mid-South Oilseed Double Cropping Study Act 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.
“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.”
The American Farm Bureau Federation, Alabama Farmers Federation, Alabama Department of Ag & Industries, and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association are all supportive of Tuberville’s legislation.
More information about the Farm Board Act can be found here.
More information about the Mid-South Oilseed Double Cropping Study Act can be found here.
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