H.R.1613 - Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1613, the Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act, directs the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to research and develop a policy to insure mushroom production, including mushroom growing media. The bill requires the Corporation to evaluate policies addressing risks like pests, fungal and viral pathogens, and weather-related losses, and to consider best practices and streamlined reporting. A report on the research and development findings must be submitted to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees within two years of enactment.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would lead to the creation of a federal crop insurance policy specifically for mushroom farmers. This would provide a safety net for these farmers, protecting them from financial losses due to various risks. The research and development phase would also generate valuable data on mushroom production and risk management.
Potential Benefits
- Provides financial security to mushroom farmers through crop insurance.
- Encourages innovation and best practices in mushroom farming.
- Addresses specific risks unique to mushroom production, such as pests and pathogens.
- Potentially stabilizes the mushroom supply chain.
- Supports a niche agricultural sector.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with research, development, and implementation of the insurance policy.
- Possible administrative burden on the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
- Risk of moral hazard if the insurance policy is poorly designed.
- Potential for increased premiums for farmers if losses are high.
- May disproportionately benefit larger mushroom farms.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the General Welfare Clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to "promote the general Welfare," and supporting agricultural sectors through crop insurance can be argued to fall under this power. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (Commerce Clause) could also be invoked, as agriculture has a substantial effect on interstate commerce.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).