Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act
Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act
Plain Language Summary
# Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill directs the federal crop insurance program to develop and research insurance coverage for mushroom farmers and mushroom-growing materials. Currently, mushrooms aren't covered under standard federal crop insurance, leaving mushroom farmers without this safety net. The bill would require the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to study different insurance options and eventually make a policy available to mushroom producers. **Who it affects and key provisions:** The bill primarily affects mushroom farmers across the U.S., particularly in states like Pennsylvania (where the sponsor is from).
The research would evaluate insurance options that address mushroom-specific risks like pests and diseases, review best practices to reduce losses, and decide whether to cover the entire mushroom crop or break coverage into different production stages. **Current status:** HR 1613 is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA).
CRS Official Summary
Protecting Mushroom Farmers ActThis bill requires the federal crop insurance program (FCIP) to provide for the research and development of a policy to insure the production of mushrooms and mushroom-growing media. (The term policy means an insurance policy, plan of insurance, provision of a policy or plan of insurance, and related materials.) The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, the agency that finances FCIP operations, must make any resulting policy available that meets specified FCIP requirements.As part of the research and development, the bill requires an evaluation of the effectiveness of insurance for the production of mushrooms, including policies that (1) are based on the risk of specific pests and pathogens, (2) consider appropriate best practices to minimize the risk of loss, and (3) consider whether to provide coverage for mushrooms under one policy or to provide coverage for various phases of production.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit.