August 17, 2020

NPPC and 26 state pork groups ask USDA to improve livestock insurance programme

The National Pork Producers Council(NPPC)and 26 state pork associations have asked the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement enhancements to the Livestock Risk Protection insurance programme, Nebraska Rural Radio Association reported.

The changes requested included a higher subsidy to make the programme more affordable to livestock farmers, an extension of  the coverage period of 52 weeks, and in increase in the number of head eligible.

NPPC says increased subsidy should apply particularly when a risk management programme is urgently needed but cost prohibitive. They note that risk management decisions in pork production are often made at least 52 weeks in advance butwith the current maximum coverage period being 26 weeks, coupled with restrictions on the number of pigs that can be covered, lead to limited programme participation.