RMA Considers Standard Reinsurance Agreement Cuts

USDA’s Risk Management Agency has reconsidered its previous proposals as the Standard Reinsurance Agreement renegotiation proceeds. But at least 30 U.S. Senators have voiced concern to the agency. In a letter they wrote that despite a modest reduction in the size of the proposed cuts between the first and second drafts, they believe RMA’s proposals may undermine the crop insurance program, reduce the quality of service and availability of the program, and harm rural America through job loss. The Senators said while they believe there may be some efficiencies to be identified through the SRArenegotiation process, they are concerned that the level of program cuts in the second draft will seriously and negatively affect several insurance companies’ ability to continue to offer much-needed risk management products in many areas of the country.