The following is a statement from Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert, Jr., regarding President Donald Trump’s proposed FY18 budget cuts to crop insurance and commodity programs.
“Illinois Farm Bureau is concerned that the president’s proposed significant cuts to vital programs like crop insurance and commodity programs come at a time of low commodity prices, reduced farm incomes and as Illinois farmers are struggling against Mother Nature to get the 2017 crop planted — or in many cases — replanted.
“Years like 2017 clearly demonstrate the risks farmers continually face and the need for a fully funded federal crop insurance program.
“The president’s budget proposal contains several provisions that would greatly reduce the availability and effectiveness of the single most important program to Illinois farmers.
“Illinois Farm Bureau looks forward to working with our congressional delegation on a USDA budget that adequately addresses the risk management needs of Illinois farmers.”
