Steve Cooper

Abstract

This case note discusses whether biotechnology should be endorsed by federal crop insurance. It reviews the history and goals of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and the role it plays in the American agricultural system. Although genetically modified crops are becoming increasingly prominent in U.S. agriculture, they have not yet been addressed by federal crop insurance. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently created the Biotech Yield Endorsement pilot program to connect the federal crop insurance system with the expanding industry and market for genetically modified seeds. The note also critiques agricultural policymaking as economically inefficient. It argues that a permanent biotechnology endorsement program should not be implemented until it is proven that the environmental and economic consequences do not make lower crop insurance premiums inadvisable.

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