There is a partisan deadlock on where to find additional funds needed for the next farm bill. Advice from Agriculture Secretary Vilsack could hold the answer. Urging lawmakers to tap a $30 billion USDA reserve, Vilsack says the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) exists for such specific instances. However, little interest has emerged for the Secretary’s vision.

Praising Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow, Vilsack has shared favor for higher levels of crop insurance coverage to row-crop growers who forgo traditional crop subsidies. One farm policy analyst says Vilsack’s idea of using the CCC is feasible, though complicated. But Vilsack says it is up to Congress to draft and pass the legislation.

Read more on farm bill funding and the CCC here.