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Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) today sent a letter to United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency Administrator, Brandon Willis, expressing his concerns with a recently finalized rule that folds current crop group risk insurance plans into a new single Area Risk Protection Insurance (ARPI) plan.  

Under this new rule, written agreements for specialty crops, such as popcorn, will no longer be allowed and in turn farmers and growers will no longer be able to purchase extra protection for their popcorn crop, which will reduce their risk management options.

“I want to ensure that policies, such as the ARPI rule, do not place farmers at a disadvantage that hurts their ability to manage risk for popcorn production, as well as jeopardize future supplies of popcorn that could increase prices for consumers,” the letter reads.

Ohio is one of the largest popcorn producing states in the country.  According to the most recent data, there are 165 popcorn crop growers in the state, and approximately 95 popcorn growers in the Fifth Congressional District.

To view a copy of the letter, click HERE.

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