The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on Dec. 5 finalized the Expanding Access to Risk Protection (EARP) rule, which includes implementing a crop insurance bill led by U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) that became law as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
“I applaud President Trump and [USDA] Secretary Rollins for strengthening crop insurance for our Iowa farmers and producers,” Rep. Feenstra said on Friday. “This action expands access to affordable crop insurance, cuts burdensome red tape, and bolsters the farm safety net.”
Specifically, the EARP Final Rule implements the new law, streamlines requirements across multiple crops, responds to producer feedback, and strengthens the department’s commitment to putting America’s farmers first, according to the USDA.
“With this new rule, we are delivering real, meaningful relief by modernizing the system, expanding access to crop insurance, and making it easier, not harder, for farmers and ranchers to protect their operations and keep doing the work that keeps America fueled and fed,” said Secretary Rollins.
On March 14, Rep. Feenstra and U.S. Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) introduced the Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act, H.R. 2117, to align the definition of “Beginning Farmer” to match most other beginning-farmer programs extending crop and livestock insurance protections to 10 years for new and beginning farmers.
The increase to 10 years applies to all federal crop insurance programs, including livestock policies, according to Rep. Feenstra.
“Crop insurance is a critical tool for Iowa farmers that must continually be defended and modernized, ensuring that Iowa agriculture can withstand the financial impacts of unpredictable natural disasters and disease outbreaks,” the congressman said. “I will continue to work with President Trump to lower costs for Iowa farmers, open new export markets, and grow our agricultural economy.”
The EARP Final Rule became effective Nov. 30.