Popular Program for Weather-Affected Losses Could Be Extended

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, the House Agriculture Committee passed, unanimously by voice vote, legislation to reauthorize the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program or WHIP+ program (HR 267).

WHIP+ covered losses that occurred as a result of hurricanes, wildfires, excessive moisture, and drought conditions in 2018 and 2019.

This legislation, if passed, would extend the program for crop years 2020 and 2021.

An amendment to the bill will extend assistance to dairies who were forced to dump milk, for producers affected by high winds, or farmers with losses to on-farm stored commodities.

For program eligibility, the legislation continues the requirement for producers to purchase crop insurance for at least two consecutive crop years.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)