Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/15761
of course, things don’t need to unfold this way. earlier this summer, the Crop insurance Professionals association (CiPa), which represents independent agents, proposed a path forward that would lower federal spending while keeping more money in growers’ pockets and leaving the insurance delivery system intact. the usDa controls the premiums growers pay for insurance policies, and by simply lowering those premiums, the Department could reduce spending while making policies even more affordable. CiPa also championed improving policies for underserved crops, new grower-friendly production history formulas that take into account innovative farm technologies, and suggestions for helping growers suffering from disasters in multiple years. unfortunately, the usDa rejected these ideas and opted instead for a cash-grab. in all fairness to Congress, many legislators—including the top Democrat and Republican on the senate agriculture Committee—opposed the usDa’s decision. they’ll get a chance to have their say in the 2012 Farm bill debate by opposing additional cuts. as the late senator from illinois everett Dirksen once said, “a billion here, a billion there and pretty soon you’re talking about real money.” yes you are, but in this case it is about much more than money—it’s about this country’s ability to feed and clothe itself. PG www.potatogrower.com 17