Shaheen Urges USDA to Consider the Implications of Proposed Crop Insurance Policy Changes on Small, Independent New England Farmers | U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire

U.S. Lawmakers Advocate for New England Apple Growers

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) have co-led a bicameral effort to address the concerns of New England growers regarding proposed changes to the apple crop insurance policy. They have written a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) urging them to consider these concerns.

Concerns Raised by Lawmakers

1. The lawmakers expressed their concern about the proposed changes to the Apple Crop Insurance Provisions that could have a negative impact on apple growers in New England.
2. While appreciating the efforts of the RMA to support American farmers and update programs, they emphasized that a “one size fits all” approach may not adequately serve the small, independent growers in the region.

The full text of the letter can be accessed here.

Shaheen’s Support for New Hampshire Farmers

Senator Shaheen has been a strong advocate for farmers in New Hampshire. As a senior member of the Senate, she works towards addressing various New Hampshire priorities through the Farm Bill, which is reauthorized every five years and provides funding for agriculture and nutrition support programs.

• Shaheen has consistently worked to include provisions in Farm Bill reauthorizations that strengthen New Hampshire’s small and independent agricultural industries.
• In the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill, Shaheen is advocating for federal programs that specifically support agricultural producers in New Hampshire.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shaheen has actively pushed the Department of Agriculture to provide assistance to dairy farmers and producers of specialty crops, including key New Hampshire products such as apples and maple syrup.

###

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

The article discusses the concerns of apple growers in New England and their potential impact due to proposed changes to the apple crop insurance policy. These issues are connected to SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The article also mentions the efforts to support farmers and agriculture industries, which aligns with SDG 8 on promoting decent work and economic growth. Additionally, the mention of updating programs to reflect a changing risk landscape relates to SDG 12, which focuses on responsible consumption and production.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
• Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
• Target 12.6: Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

– Target 2.3 is relevant as it addresses the need to double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, which includes apple growers in New England.

– Target 8.3 is applicable as it focuses on promoting policies that support decent job creation and entrepreneurship, which are essential for the agricultural industry.

– Target 12.6 is connected to the article’s mention of updating programs to reflect a changing risk landscape, as it encourages companies to adopt sustainable practices and integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, the article does not provide specific data or metrics to measure progress. Indicators that could be relevant include:

• Percentage increase in agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers (Target 2.3)
• Number of job opportunities created in the agricultural sector (Target 8.3)
• Number of companies adopting sustainable practices and reporting sustainability information (Target 12.6)

These indicators would provide quantitative measures to assess progress towards the identified targets.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: shaheen.senate.gov

Join us, as fellow seekers of change, on a transformative journey at https://sdgtalks.ai/welcome, where you can become a member and actively contribute to shaping a brighter future.