By Scout Nelson
In a significant move towards sustainable agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency (RMA) has updated the Federal crop insurance program. This update, reflecting the agency’s commitment to conservation and climate-smart farming, includes a crucial change in the Good Farming Practices Handbook.
RMA Administrator Marcia Bunger has emphasized the dual benefits of this update. It not only encourages American farmers and ranchers to adopt conservation and climate-smart practices but also assures them that these practices will not affect their crop insurance coverage. This reassurance is crucial for producers who are increasingly mindful of their environmental impact.
The handbook now officially recognizes all conservation practices offered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as Good Farming Practices for crop insurance purposes. This means that the appropriate use of NRCS conservation practices will not impact a producer's crop insurance coverage. This alignment with on-ground rules marks a significant acknowledgement of the role of conservation in modern farming.
The NRCS is acknowledged as an expert resource in the handbook, particularly for cover crop management systems. This designation underscores the importance of cover crops in sustainable agriculture, a practice RMA had previously designated as a Good Farming Practice in 2019.
The USDA's support for environmentally responsible farming practices aligns with the growing trend of sustainable agriculture, ensuring farmers are recognized and supported in their efforts to balance production with environmental health, a positive step towards a more sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural sector.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Sustainable Agriculture