WEATHER Act of 2023

The WEATHER Act of 2023 would create a new federal crop insurance policy to protect farmers from income losses caused by specific weather events like drought, floods, extreme heat, wildfires, and hail. This policy would cover all 50 states and territories, allowing farmers to adjust coverage levels (from 5% to 150% of the median county farm income) and offering faster payments (within 30 days) after a weather event. It prioritizes support for small-scale farms (under $350,000 income) and underserved producers, with reduced paperwork and special consideration for on-farm processing losses. The bill requires the federal crop insurance corporation to research and develop this policy, report findings within one year, and recommend next steps to Congress - making it a proposal for future policy, not an immediate law.