Crop Insurance: There has been some confusion this spring over the new 2017 definition of “practical to replant.” However, it does not apply to sugarbeets. The change was made to the FCIC “basic provisions” covering all crops, but the sugarbeet policy has its own “special provisions” that contain a separate definition of “practical to replant” that remains untouched. The following is an explanation of the issue by our crop insurance legal counsel Ken Ackerman. Basic background:
Impact of sugarbeets:
2018 Farm Bill: Hearings have already begun in both the House and Senate on the new farm bill. We will have industry representatives testifying whenever and wherever it is appropriate. The hardship that our industry faces in the depressed market at the moment are not a result of farm bill provisions, but rather due to the failure of the suspension agreements with Mexico to stop the subsidies and dumping of sugar into our market. Grower leaders for both beet and cane industries will visit more than 300 congressional offices to meet new members and staff to begin the formal engagement of writing a new farm bill. Our thanks to all of those who spend the time and effort to come to DC and tell our growers’ story. Every grower should express their appreciation to them. There is a good deal of work in preparing for and making these visits on your behalf. Mexico: The delay in cabinet and subcabinet appointee confirmations through the Senate has delayed action in resolving the problems with the Mexican suspension agreement. We will make it very clear to Administration officials and members of Congress that we are in a crisis, and the Administration needs to take the appropriate action as quickly as it can to fix the Mexico trade problem and get our market back in balance. 2017 Internship: Remember that internship applications are available from our website and must be completed and in our office by March 30. 2018 Annual Meeting: For those of you planning ahead for next year, the 2018 ASGA Annual Meeting will be in Washington, DC, February 4-6. It will be a great time to hear from top legislators and Administration officials about the Farm Bill and other important trade and nutritional issues that impact our industry. It is also an excellent time to visit the many historical sites and museums. We will be at the J.W. Marriott Hotel, which is two blocks from the White House. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/wasjw-jw-marriott-washington-dc/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2
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Luther Markwart![]() Luther Markwart, author of Dateline Washington, is executive vice president of the American Sugarbeet Growers Association.
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