American Soybean Association (ASA) offered comments to the Risk Management Agency (RMA) this week on its proposals to improve double cropping and replanting provisions of the basic crop insurance policy. RMA had asked for comments on their suggestions on providing greater flexibility in determining double crop eligibility; providing full coverage on both crops; and the basis for double cropping qualification. On behalf of ASA, President Richard Wilkins wrote, “Issues and problems with existing double crop provisions have emerged in several soybean-growing states. As farmers respond to new market opportunities and changing demand, ASA’s priority is that the crop insurance program support market signals, rather than getting in the way.”

ASA generally supported the proposals, writing, “ASA supports the proposed alternative, which would allow eligible double cropping acres to be based on either the greatest number of acres, or percentage of acres historically double cropped, rather than the greatest number of acres double cropped in two of the last four crop years in which the first insured crop was planted.” ASA went on to write, “We support the recommendation from Mid-Atlantic region growers that full coverage of both crops in a double cropping rotation – even if a new rotation – be offered if local agricultural experts certify that the crop combination is a good farming practice in the county.”

To read the full text of comments click here.