Press Releases

Franklin, Rubio Help Florida Growers Access Crop Insurance Coverage

November 8, 2023

WASHINGTON, DC—Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL) and Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) introduced H.R. 6186, the Temperature Endorsement for Multi-Peril Policies (TEMP) Act, to direct the Risk Management Agency to research and develop a crop insurance policy to cover losses caused by cold exposure and freezes. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) has introduced Senate companion legislation.

“Deep freezes often cause significant damage to Florida’s agricultural industry, a significant source of America’s citrus, sugarcane and other important fruit and vegetables,” Rep. Franklin said. “Unfortunately, growers in Florida’s heartland do not have access to reasonably priced specialty-crop insurance, making it difficult to recover after harsh winters.  Our bipartisan bill creates an affordable index temperature policy, providing much-needed stability and coverage for Florida’s more than 300 specialty crops should temperatures drop below freezing. I thank my colleagues for their support of this commonsense initiative and Sen. Rubio for his leadership on this issue in the Senate.”
“Florida’s growers are vital to our state’s economy and the security of our national food supply. The TEMP Act is a commonsense solution that will help our specialty crop growers access affordable crop insurance, and recover from the devastating impacts of deep freezes and cold exposure,” Sen. Rubio said.

Florida’s specialty crop producers struggle to access comprehensive whole-farm crop insurance due to high insurance premiums, which can cost thousands of dollars per acre. Specialty crop growers have been able to access insurance policies at reasonable costs that cover losses caused by specific covered impacts such as wind.  However, no policy exists to cover specialty crop growers’ losses caused by cold exposure and freezes.

House original cosponsors include Rep. Cory Mills (FL-7) and Rep. Greg Steube (FL-17).

Outside groups in support: American Farm Bureau Federation, Florida Farm Bureau, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association

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Permalink: https://franklin.house.gov/2023/11/franklin-rubio-help-florida-growers-access-crop-insurance-coverage