Helping Farmers Stay on the Land

The Oct. 15 front-page article "Aid Is a Bumper Crop for Farmers" made several incorrect assumptions and did a grave disservice to American farmers.

First, the article was flat-out wrong in its assertion that farmers are "double-dipping" when supported by both federally backed crop insurance and federal disaster assistance. The assistance from crop insurance diminishes with repeated annual losses due to natural disasters -- making it less and less helpful for the farmers who purchase the insurance.

Expecting crop insurance to cover year-to-year crop losses is similar to expecting a home insurer to indemnify a homeowner whose house burns down year after year.

Second, farmers and ranchers are almost never made 100 percent whole with crop insurance and disaster assistance payments. Crop insurance and disaster assistance are coupled to help keep farmers and ranchers on the land after natural disasters, including droughts, floods, frosts, wildfires and disease. After several disastrous years, farmers in North Dakota are hoping only for the kind of help that will keep them in business so they have a chance for survival next year.

Just as we have a responsibility to respond to hurricanes that devastate homes and businesses in Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida and Texas, we have a responsibility to respond to droughts and floods that devastate homes and businesses in North Dakota, South Dakota and Kansas.

KENT CONRAD

U.S. Senator (D-N.D.)

Washington

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The two-part series "Harvesting Cash" [front page, Oct. 15-16] brought a new level of transparency to readers about the flaws plaguing U.S. farm programs. But it is time for the public and agricultural interests to focus on solutions to improve farm policy. American Farmland Trust offers recommendations in our report "Agenda 2007: A New Framework and Direction for U.S. Farm Policy."

Clearly, the public is growing more discontented with current farm support. Pressure for change is coming from many forces. For the first time in 70 years, we can create a farm bill that improves programs, expands conservation and increases access to healthier foods, in ways that are less distorting to trade yet that keep farmers competitive in the global economy.

The farm bill will be one of the most important pieces of legislation before next year's Congress. We're confident that agricultural policy can be changed to increase the public benefits, stewardship and support of an industry vital to our nation.

RALPH GROSSI

President

American Farmland Trust

Washington