Reps. Panetta and Cammack Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Agriculture Disaster Assistance for Producers

Monterey, CA – United States Representatives Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and Kat Cammack (FL-03) introduced the bipartisan Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act to reduce barriers that producers face in accessing agriculture disaster assistance.  The legislation aims to ensure that basic safety net programs for producers are readily available to full-time farmers to get back on their feet following natural disasters.

Current adjusted gross income (AGI) limitations disproportionately prohibit producers with high input costs from participating in certain USDA disaster programs in a meaningful way.  These limitations have not kept pace with inflation.  Specialty crop producers across the country have acutely experienced this issue and have been denied access to USDA standing disaster programs, most recently in California during the winter storms and resulting flooding.

“It’s unacceptable that in the wake of a disaster, some of our farmers, ranchers, and producers are unable to access agricultural disaster assistance programs that were specifically created to help them get back on their feet,” said Rep. Panetta.  “I’m proud to author and introduce this bipartisan legislation that would waive adjusted gross income limitations in order to increase access to and improve the impact of our agricultural safety net programs.  During times of need, like our community experienced earlier this year with the major storms, people in agriculture need to have confidence that the federal government will be there for them as they work towards a full recovery.” 

“Our farmers, ranchers, and producers work hard every day to feed and clothe our nation.  When disaster strikes, they should be able to access the important programs designed to protect them,” said Rep. Cammack.  “The AGI limitations set years ago have denied access for producers who truly need it, and the exemption for farms making 75 percent of their income from farming and farming-related practices is much-needed to bolster resilience.  I’m glad to join my friend and colleague Rep. Panetta in leading this effort to ensure fair access to these critical disaster programs.”

“California has been subject to multiple natural disasters in recent years, ranging from fire to flood,” said Western Growers President & CEO Dave Puglia.  “Just this year in Monterey County farmers suffered at least $600 million in flood losses.  Unfortunately, the current safety net to help growers operating under duress is profoundly insufficient and puts the economic welfare of rural communities at risk.  Many produce growers can’t use the federal government’s current farm disaster programs due to flawed Congressional restrictions.  The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act will ensure that full-time farmers are no longer denied access to programs that allow them to make a living.”

“Florida farmers are no stranger to hurricanes, drought, and flooding,” said Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association President Mike Joyner. “When these natural disasters happen, it is critical that our farmers are eligible to participate in disaster recovery programs. The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act will provide increased access to these recovery programs, ensuring a farmers ability to meet the nutritional needs of families and consumers across the U.S.”

Specifically, the Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act would:

• Exempt the AGI limitation for farms that get 75% of their income from farming or related farming practices (agri-tourism, direct-to-consumer marketing of agricultural products, sale of agricultural equipment owned by person or entity, and other agriculture-related activities, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture).
• This would apply to the following disaster programs:
  • Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP)
  • Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP)
  • Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)
  • Tree Assistance Program (TAP)
  • Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)

Original cosponsors of the Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act include; Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), John Duarte (CA-13), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), and Chuck Edwards (NC-11).

The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act is endorsed by; Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, Western Growers, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, and American Honey Producers Association.

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