WASHINGTON, D.C., June 21, 2018 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I") today applauds the House's support of a strong Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) in passing H.R. 2, the “Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018," by Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Texas).

“The Big 'I' is pleased with passage of a Farm Bill in the House that does not include cuts to the crop insurance program," says Charles Symington, Big “I" senior vice president of external, industry and government affairs. “The Big 'I' supports a strong crop insurance program which is a critical risk management tool for the security of America's economy and food supply."

The FCIP is a public-private partnership that supports the purchase of crop insurance by farmers to protect against losses due to natural disasters and single year commodity price declines. Over 12,000 insurance agents sell and service crop insurance policies across the country.

“The Big 'I' thanks Chairman Conway, Ranking Member Peterson and members of the House Committee on Agriculture for their leadership on crop insurance," says Jennifer Webb, Big “I" counsel, federal government affairs. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Senate to ensure that the crop insurance program remains strong throughout Congressional consideration of the Farm Bill." ​

Founded in 1896, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I") is the nation's oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of approximately a quarter of a million agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products.

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