federal crop insurance subsidies News

Insurer Comings-and-Goings Show U.S. Crop Insurance a Field for Specialists

The U.S. crop insurance market has been abandoned by some of its largest companies as lower agricultural prices crimp revenue, and uncertainty about federal aid clouds the business’s future. Cargill Inc., the largest privately held company in the U.S., last …

Bipartisan Farm Bill Saves Food Stamps, Crop Insurance

Editor’s Note: The House of Representatives passed the bill this morning. For the update, read here. Deep cuts in U.S. food-stamp spending sought by House Republicans were averted in a tentative agreement on a much-delayed agriculture bill, according to a …

President Obama Urges Congress Act on Farm, Crop Insurance, Food Stamps Bill

President Barack Obama, in a rebuke to proposals by House Republicans for steep cuts in food stamps for the poor, urged Congress on Thursday to pass a farm bill “that protects children and vulnerable adults in time of need.” Obama …

Critics Say Taxpayers’ $14B Guarantees Profit for Crop Insurers

Former American International Group Inc. chief Maurice “Hank” Greenberg has a new business partner: the U.S. taxpayer. Greenberg’s Starr Indemnity & Liability Co. is one of 18 companies approved to get federal cash for insuring farmers against loss of crops …

Senate Votes to Cut Crop Insurance Subsidies to Wealthiest Farmers

The wealthiest 20,000 U.S. farmers should pay more for taxpayer subsidized crop insurance, the Senate voted on Thursday, adopting a measure that blended deficit reduction, populism and farm program reform. Senators approved the amendment by a lopsided 59-33 vote, in …

N.C. Farmer Pleads Guilty to Million Dollar Crop Insurance Fraud

Federal authorities announced last week that a North Carolina farmer pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud on the federal crop insurance program for payments worth over $1 million. According to authorities, Harry Dean Canady, 63, of Lumberton, N.C., owned …

Crop Insurance Juicy Target in ‘Fiscal Cliff’ Deal

Rural lawmakers worry that $9 billion in annual federal crop insurance subsidies are an easy target for spending cuts in a “fiscal cliff” deal so they’re shopping around for a late compromise on a farm bill to protect them. The …