“We are very grateful for Sen. Moran’s recognition of the importance of alfalfa and the needs its producers have for a bona fide risk management tool," aid Beth Nelson, president of the National Alfalfa and Forage Alliance (NAFA).

Alfalfa is considered one of America’s most valued crops — behind corn, soybean and wheat — but does not enjoy the type of safety net that generally is afforded to program crops. Due in part to this, according to NAFA, alfalfa acreage has declined 25 percent since 2002 and 10 percent in 2012 alone. "It’s clear Sen. Moran understands the critical role alfalfa plays in beef and dairy production, as well as the myriad environmental benefits it provides," NAFA chairman Robin Newel said. "It is essential that alfalfa achieve parity with the risk management tools available to other major crops.”  FG

—From NAFA news release