Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Strengthen USDA Disaster Recovery Program

Strategic Insights -

Representative Zach Nunn (R-Iowa) introduced the bipartisan Protecting Farmers from Natural Disasters Act alongside Representative Don Davis (D-NC) to strengthen the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program. The bill aims to expand the EWP program's scope, allowing farmers to rebuild stronger and prepare for future natural disasters. The bill was introduced in response to recent disasters, including the Greenfield tornado that caused $31 million in damage and $430 million in crop insurance payouts due to weather-related losses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Protecting Farmers from Natural Disasters Act aims to strengthen the USDA's Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program by allowing for improvements beyond pre-disaster conditions.
  • The bill was introduced in response to recent disasters, including the Greenfield tornado that caused $31 million in damage and $430 million in crop insurance payouts due to weather-related losses.
  • The bill would allow the USDA to support recovery projects that strengthen and protect land for the future, helping to secure the food supply and better prepare farmers for the next natural disaster.
  • The bipartisan legislation builds on the success of the EWP Program and expands its scope, allowing for rapid recovery and preparedness for future storms.
  • Representative Zach Nunn stated that the bill gives producers the flexibility to repair damage and invest in long-term improvements that protect their land, strengthen the food supply, and reduce the impact of the next disaster before it happens.
  • Amber Markham, Director of External Affairs, The Nature Conservancy, emphasized that improving the watershed beyond its pre-disaster condition is a smart, proactive approach to flood mitigation, which will realize cost savings for Iowans long term.
  • Julie Seger, Director of Policy and Government Relations, American Flood Coalition Action, commended Representatives Nunn and Davis for introducing the bill and stated that it would help prevent future destruction while delivering greater value for taxpayers.

Statistics:

  • $31 million: the amount of damage caused by the Greenfield tornado.
  • $430 million: the amount of crop insurance payouts due to weather-related losses in Iowa.
  • Over $430 million: the total amount returned in crop insurance payouts due to weather-related losses in Iowa.

Sources:

  • The Protecting Farmers from Natural Disasters Act press release issued by Representative Zach Nunn (R-Iowa). No date provided.
  • Representative Zach Nunn's website: https://nunn.house.gov/2025/09/10/nunn-introduces-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-usda-disaster-recovery-program/
  • The Nature Conservancy: no specific source date provided, but cited in the press release as an organization supporting the bill.
  • American Flood Coalition Action: no specific source date provided, but cited in the press release as an organization supporting the bill.