Plain Language Summary
# GRAPE Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The GRAPE Act (Grape Research And Protection Expansion Act) would require the federal government's crop insurance program to develop a new insurance policy specifically protecting grape growers against financial losses from freeze events. Currently, federal crop insurance doesn't offer this type of coverage for table grapes, wine grapes, or juice grapes. If passed, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation would need to research and create this policy, then make it available to growers who meet program requirements. **Who It Affects and Key Details** This bill primarily affects grape farmers and the agricultural insurance industry.
Freeze events—unexpected cold snaps that can destroy grape crops—pose a significant risk to growers, particularly in regions like New York (where the sponsor is from). The bill also requires the government to report back to Congress about the research process and any new policy developed. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House.
CRS Official Summary
Grape Research And Protection Expansion Act or the GRAPE ActThis bill requires the federal crop insurance program (FCIP) to provide for the research and development of a policy to insure table, wine, and juice grapes against losses due to a freeze event. (Under current law, 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.The FCIP must also submit a report to Congress on the research and any resulting policy.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit.