Friday, January 16, 2009
Risk Management
When circumstances beyond farmers’ control wreak havoc on their ability to produce, NFU is there to advocate for their assistance. In addition to the extensive loss of crops and livestock wrought by Hurricane Katrina in the Gulf, farmers and ranchers face drought in the Midwest, flooding in the Plains, wildfires in the South, and other weather related disasters nationwide.
Weather-related disaster losses combined with declining commodity prices and skyrocketing energy costs are putting farmers in a financial bind. In the past we have successfully fought for and won disaster assistance, but in the long run we think Congress needs more than ad-hoc legislation to address disasters in the countryside.
National Farmers Union supports the development and implementation of a permanent disaster program by the federal government. We believe that such a program should cover both shallow and catastrophic losses.
NFU encourages risk management tools that cover all commodities. Crop insurance and revenue coverage should never be considered a replacement for fair market prices and an adequate price support system. We support the continuation and improvement of the federal crop insurance program. 
National Crop and Livestock Disaster Programs in the FY07 Supplemental Appropriations Bill
Statement of Administrative Policy Against Disaster Assistance
CY07 Total Disaster Declarations & Designations – YTD October 2007
CY06 Total Disaster Declarations & Designations
CY05 Total Disaster Declarations & Designations
Legislation (PDF format)
White House Reiterates Opposition for Ag Disaster Relief 5-18-06
Statement of Administrative Policy- Veto Threat 4-25-06
Supporting Documents (PDF format)
Fly-In Talking Points: Pass Emergency Disaster Assistance
