National Farmers Union (NFU) has called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reinstate crop insurance buy-up coverage for acres that cannot be planted due to weather conditions. The organization submitted formal comments urging the USDA to reverse recent changes that have removed this risk management option.
“Family farmers and ranchers are facing some of the most challenging economic conditions in decades. The decision to eliminate the option to purchase additional coverage for prevented planting only deepens that strain,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “When high input costs, volatile markets, and extreme weather converge, farmers need every risk management tool available to protect their operations. We strongly urge USDA to restore prevented planting buy-up coverage so farmers can continue to manage risk and remain economically viable.”
Buy-up coverage provides financial protection for producers when they are unable to plant crops due to adverse weather, helping them manage losses and maintain stability during unpredictable growing seasons. The USDA introduced the proposed change as part of a broader update to crop insurance policies released in December.
NFU represents family farmers, ranchers, and rural communities across all 50 states through state and local divisions. The organization works through educational initiatives, policy advocacy, and community-building events such as annual conventions and fly-ins (https://nfu.org/). Founded in 1902, NFU supports sustainable agriculture practices and seeks fair farm policies while providing leadership training and member services via its nationwide network (https://nfu.org/).
Rob Larew serves as president of NFU (https://nfu.org/), which is committed to protecting the economic well-being of family farmers by advocating for programs that enhance their ability to withstand market volatility and environmental challenges (https://nfu.org/).
The full text of NFU’s comments is available online.
