AACI-NCIS Convention Recap

AACI-NCIS Convention Recap

February 18, 2019

San Diego, CA – AACI had a great week at the annual NCIS-AACI convention, which highlighted successes of the last year, such as passage of the 2018 farm bill with a strong crop insurance title. Participants and convention speakers also discussed preparations for the coming year with a new Congress.

Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI) and Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) were presented with AACI’s Champion of Crop Insurance Award. In video remarks, Hudson stated he looked “forward to continuing our partnership to support American agriculture.” Kildee, who was able to attend the convention, thanked the industry in his address for “what you do” and warned them of the challenges ahead stating, “as we go through the appropriations process, some members will take a run at crop insurance.”

It was a message echoed in remarks by AACI chairman, Larry Heitman, who said, “As tempting as it may be to relax until the next Farm Bill negotiations begin again, let’s remember our program is a target for those that want to redirect agricultural funds to their own causes or programs.”

To that end, AACI released a short video during the convention that described the importance of maintaining a strong presence and meaningful political engagement in Washington to protect the program from attacks.

AACI staff and members have worked to expand the reach and impact of the AACI-PAC. This year AACI raised more than $136,000 and held nearly 100 events in support of pro-crop insurance legislators, which is a 63% increase from last year. A fundraiser was held for Rep. Kildee during the convention that raised more $17,000.