U. S. Representative Dale Strong Introduces Winter Canola Study Act to Address Crop Insurance Gaps
Lawmakers intend to address federal crop insurance double-cropping shortfalls
On April 30, 2024, U.S. Representatives Dale W. Strong (R-AL5), David Kustoff (R-TN), and Tracey Mann (R-KS) introduced the Winter Oilseed Study Act of 2024 (H.R. 8179). The proposed legislation directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) to examine the lack of crop insurance coverage for double-cropped winter oilseeds, including canola.
Double cropping, the practice of planting a second crop in the same field within a single year, offers economic and environmental benefits. Winter canola, when used as a secondary crop, can enhance soil health and provide an additional revenue stream for farmers. However, current federal crop insurance policies often do not cover such practices, limiting farmers' ability to adopt them.
The Winter Oilseed Study Act aims to address this issue by mandating the RMA to conduct research and development on including winter oilseed crops in double cropping and rotational cropping policies. The study will evaluate factors affecting the availability and cost of crop insurance for these crops and assess potential risk management benefits, such as improvements to soil health, biodiversity, and farm profitability.
"The Winter Canola Study Act would give North Alabama farmers crucial new information and broaden the opportunity to plant winter canola as an alternative double crop option," said Congressman Strong. "This research would help create a more competitive market for farmers while supporting the hard work they do to provide our food, fiber, and fuel.”
Congressman Kustoff emphasized the broader impact, stating, "America's farmers keep our economy going by putting food on the shelves and fuel in our tanks. By allowing our farmers to plant winter canola in the off season, the Winter Canola Study Act will expand opportunities for growers and producers across the nation"
Representative Mann highlighted the energy and sustainability aspects: "Harnessing the potential of American-grown commodities like winter oilseed supports the entire agriculture and energy supply from grower to consumer. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to help facilitate the growth of energy-abundant and sustainable fuel feedstocks by supporting access to risk management tools, research into yield improvements, and the environmental benefits of new crop rotations"
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture for further consideration. If enacted, the legislation could lead to expanded insurance options for farmers engaging in double cropping with winter oilseeds, potentially enhancing the resilience and profitability of agricultural operations.
