SPRINGFIELD, ILL – U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) convened a roundtable discussion on Wed., Feb. 18, with approved insurance providers (AIPs), crop insurance agents, local producers, and state agricultural organizations to discuss the vital role of crop insurance in protecting Illinois farmers and rural communities.
Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) was represented by Government Relations Chairman Rob Shaffer and Director of Government Relations and Strategy Kevin “KJ” Johnson. The event brought together key stakeholders across Illinois’ agriculture industry to discuss crop insurance policy priorities with Congresswoman Budzinski and foster stronger relationships between federal policymakers and the farmers they serve.
“In central and southern Illinois, crop insurance gives producers a fighting chance when weather disasters, volatile markets, or global instability threaten a year’s worth of hard work,” said Budzinski. She continued, “It’s long past time that our specialty growers, beginning farmers, and underserved communities across the Midwest see this program better support their operations. In Congress, I will keep fighting to modernize and strengthen crop insurance, so it meets the needs of today’s producers and delivers the stability our rural communities deserve.”
During Wednesday’s roundtable the discussion centered on how crop insurance serves as an efficient, farmer-funded program that protects agricultural communities from natural disasters. The discussion emphasized that supporting crop insurance means supporting both fiscal responsibility and the economic security of agricultural communities, which is a win-win for taxpayers and farmers alike. As weather patterns grow increasingly volatile, crop insurance is critical to keep America’s food production stable and farmers financially viable.
“For Illinois soybean farmers, crop insurance is essential,” said Johnson. “Considering the challenges facing farmers right now, crop insurance is often the difference between surviving a bad year and being forced out of business. Illinois Soybean appreciates Representative Budzinski taking the time to hear directly from Illinois farmers and ag leaders about why a strong, modernized crop insurance program is essential to keeping our state’s farm economy stable and competitive.”
The roundtable represents Representative Budzinski’s ongoing commitment to understanding the needs of rural Illinois and ensuring that federal policy supports the farmers and agricultural businesses that form the foundation of the district’s economy.
