Today, in Washington D.C., Congressmen David Kustoff of Tennessee, Dale W. Strong of Alabama, and Tracey Mann of Kansas introduced the Winter Canola Study Act to the House of Representatives. The proposed legislation seeks to address the gap in crop insurance coverage for double-crop winter oilseeds, such as canola. The bill instructs the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) to conduct a study on this issue.
Additionally, the bill highlights the economic and environmental benefits of using rotational and double-crop grown canola. It emphasizes the importance of investing in renewable fuels that have a lower carbon intensity, to enhance rural communities, create jobs, and strengthen energy security.
Congressman Kustoff stated, “America’s farmers keep our economy going by putting food on the shelves and fuel in our tanks. By allowing our farmers to plant winter canola in the off season, the Winter Canola Study Act will expand opportunities for growers and producers across the nation.”
Congressman Strong noted, “The Winter Canola Study Act would give North Alabama farmers crucial new information and broaden the opportunity to plant winter canola as an alternative double-crop option. I am proud to work on behalf of farmers by joining Representative Kustoff and my colleagues in introducing this legislation. This research would help create a more competitive market for farmers while supporting the hard work they do to provide our food, fiber, and fuel.”
Congressman Mann remarked, “Harnessing the potential of American-grown commodities like winter oilseed supports the entire agriculture and energy supply from grower to consumer. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to help facilitate the growth of energy-abundant and sustainable fuel feedstocks by supporting access to risk management tools, research into yield improvements, and the environmental benefits of new crop rotations.”
For more information, the full text of the bill can be accessed online.
