A coalition of agriculture groups is urging President Trump and federal lawmakers to protect crop insurance. The 60 groups wrote to the administration and Congress opposing any cuts to crop insurance during the upcoming budget, appropriations process or the new farm bill. Iowa Soybean Association President Rolland Schnell says they’re hoping to convey the importance of crop insurance for farmers to the administration and lawmakers.

He says crop insurance is not a large drain on the federal budget and provides a critical safety net for farmers.

Schnell says besides keeping a strong crop insurance program in the new farm bill, keeping funding for agricultural research is also important. He’s hoping the President and members of Congress understand that.

The coalition also cautioned Congress and the administration not to reopen the 2014 farm bill and to avoid any cuts in the 2018 farm legislation.