Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act
The Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act would amend the Federal Crop Insurance Act to require the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) to conduct research and development (R&D) into an insurance policy for mushrooms. Specifically, it adds mushrooms as a new category for R&D, with the FCIC able to carry out the research itself or enter into contracts with qualified entities to explore a policy that insures mushroom production or revenue from mushroom production. The bill also requires the FCIC to deliver a report to Congress within one year of enactment describing the R&D results and any recommendations. In short, the bill aims to create a path toward a mushroom-specific crop insurance product, but it does not create immediate coverage or funding.
Key Points
- 1Short title: The bill is named the “Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act.”
- 2New research category: Adds “Mushrooms” to the FCIC’s research and development authority under Section 522(c) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act.
- 3Scope of R&D: The FCIC must carry out R&D, or contract with qualified entities, to develop a policy to insure mushroom production or mushroom revenue.
- 4Reporting requirement: Within one year after enactment, the FCIC must brief Congress with the results of the R&D and any recommendations.
- 5Funding/implementation: The text does not specify funding or allocation; it creates authority and a reporting obligation but leaves budget and practical implementation to future actions.