Transcript:
Farming is risky, and it’s getting riskier as climate change causes more extreme weather.
To increase their resilience, some farmers grow a variety of crops – so if one fails, they have others to fall back on.
But farming this way can make it harder to get crop insurance.
Barton: “Very small and very diversified farms … are not well served through the crop insurance system.”
Julia Barton of the Organic Farmers Association says federal crop insurance – which helps cover losses after disasters – was designed for conventional farms that grow a single crop, like corn or soybeans.
For a long time, it was not a feasible option for small diversified farms because they needed a separate policy for each crop.
So about 10 years ago, the USDA began offering coverage for multiple crops under one policy.
But Barton says hurdles remain. Many small farmers struggle to find an agent who can help them navigate the process. And those who rotate crops may struggle to provide the year-over-year documentation the program requires.
Her group advocates for more reforms and discounts.
Barton: “It’s important that we have safety nets in place to support farmers while they are being as resilient as they can be.”
Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media / Thanks to PASA Sustainable Agriculture for logistical support
