As wildfires scorch more and more of California, state legislators are looking for ways to make sure rural farmers can get the insurance they need to maintain their agricultural operations.
The California State Senate in late July unanimously approved Senate Bill 11, followed quickly by a signature from the governor. It aims to expand insurance opportunities for local farmers, growers and ranchers. After last summerâs devastating wildfires, advocacy groups and politicians have been joining forces to encourage their constituents to insure their properties, while also working to keep premiums reasonable.
Under existing law, the California FAIR Plan Association, a state-created insurance pool designed to spread risk among private insurers, requires that basic property insurance be provided for property owners who may not have previously had access due to cost or income constraints.