By Jamie Martin
In Kansas, amidst severe drought conditions, Gail Fuller’s regenerative farm stands out for its robustness against climate adversities.
Fuller, like many U.S. farmers embracing sustainable agriculture, finds himself unsupported by federal crop insurance.
Regenerative farming, known for its potential to halve agricultural emissions by 2030 through practices like carbon sequestration and reduced fertilizer use, faces significant hurdles due to insurance policies that have not evolved with the climate realities.
These policies currently favor conventional farming methods, covering crops like corn and soy but often exclude or penalize regenerative practices such as intercropping and cover cropping.
Despite the increasing prevalence of extreme weather events, which regenerative practices can mitigate, insurance frameworks remain rigid.
Fuller’s experience is a testament to the systemic challenges - After switching to regenerative methods in the mid-1990s, he faced claim denials and financial ruin due to the perceived non-compliance with Good Farming Practices as defined by insurers.
The USDA has attempted reforms, such as the Whole-Farm Revenue Protection Program, to encourage climate-smart agriculture.
The adoption rates are low due to complex requirements and insufficient coverage limits. Farmers like Fuller and Rick Clark, who also practice regenerative farming, often opt out of the insurance system entirely, despite the risks.
This systemic resistance to change underscores the need for significant policy shifts to support farmers who are ready to align their practices with environmental sustainability goals.
As extreme weather becomes more common, the agricultural insurance industry must adapt to not only protect farmers but also promote practices that mitigate climate impacts.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: National