Misinformation?

[Lori Brogoitti <nwasc@ucinet.com>]

Hi,
 
I live in Eastern Oregon and work with the farming community.  There seems to be a conflict between government agencies and farmers.  The farmers are finding it increasingly difficult to determine how to respond to environmental and economic pressures and still maintain a sustainable farming operation.
 
There are some agencies that are pressing for annual cropping and no-till farming for a number of environmental reasons, (water control, erosion etc.).  The EPA encourages no-till practices and will help out the farmer for a short period of time.  However, there is a transition period during which producers  learn how to manage the new farming system which frequently results in temporary reduced yields.  This when combined with current depressed crop prices causes a real dilemma for farmers.  What are farmers to do?
 
      This is where Federal Crop Insurance steps in.  A farmer can purchase Federal Crop Insurance and minimize the risk of changing production practices while helping the environment.  But then the public is flooded with misinformation, and rumors start appearing stating that farmers are "farming the insurance".  I will not deny that there are some that take advantage of the system, but for the most part the program is providing an avenue for changing farming practices.  

Risk Manegment Agency (RMA) says for insurance purposes that Farmers must use good farming practices. So then who determines what is a good farming practice?  The insurance companies  look to the USDA and State research and extention people for information, but there is very little historical data to support the new farming methods.  So if a farmer changes his farming practice,  which is encouraged by the EPA,  and has a yield loss he/she is accused by the public of "farming the insurance".  
 
So what are the people in the agriculture industry supposed to do?  Who do they listen to?  The EPA, RMA, USDA?  Wouldn't be better if different agencies communicated and then take advantages of all resources to get information out?

Are there any suggestions?
 
Lori Brogoitti