Statement by Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman on Crop Insurance   March
10, 1999
                                
                                
                                            Release No. 0097.99
                                
Statement
                               by
             Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman 
               on Crop Insurance   March 10, 1999


     "Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture put forth a detailed proposal
to address one of the most important issues facing American farmers and
ranchers   that is, crop insurance and risk management.

     "During this time of low prices and shrinking incomes, it is more urgent
than ever that we give farmers the tools they need to protect themselves.

     "Our proposal is specific, and it is designed to fill the most glaring
crop insurance voids.  It will make crop insurance more affordable and more
worth buying.  It will bring new products to market and provide better
information and service to growers.

     "Other crop insurance reform plans have been put before Congress.  While
those plans may differ from mine in the details, there is a consensus on the
need to repair the farm safety net.  
     "The President and I are committed to working with Congress immediately,
to do whatever we have to do to find the resources to fix this problem."

                               #