Navajo Nation receives $13.5 million crop insurance funding

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — CKP Insurance presented a $13.5 million crop insurance check Feb. 15 to the Navajo Nation for indemnities based on the 2023 crop year. Members of the Resources and Development Committee were in attendance for the check presentation on behalf of the Navajo Nation.

Since 2016, the Navajo Nation has purchased crop insurance through CKP, initially implemented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage Pilot Insurance Program. Crop insurance is designed to provide coverage on pasture, rangeland, and forage acres, and is based on a rainfall index that determines precipitation within an area.

“Crop insurance is a critical resource that supports our ranchers and farmers in years of drought conditions. The indemnities paid to the Nation are used to fund infrastructure projects through the Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Management and Expenditure Program,” said RDC Chairwoman Brenda Jesus.

CKP presented 2023 crop year reports with indemnity proceeds certified by the USDA. This year, the Navajo Nation’s benefit amounted to $13,573,487, certified as an indemnity insurance payment to the Navajo Nation. Similar presentations were extended to other tribes participating in the program.

“As climate change continues to impact the Navajo Nation during the summer months, our investment in crop insurance lessens the impacts that low rainfall has on our agricultural industries, ranchers, and farmers,” said RDC Vice Chair Casey Allen Johnson. “The protections against low rainfall provide for improvements to our irrigation systems and other agricultural infrastructure projects while offsetting losses for low harvests.”

Summit discussions addressed the necessity of effective fund utilization. While acknowledging the financial support, challenges persist in ensuring timely and impactful spending. The RDC emphasized the importance of aligning spending with the annual average benefit of $17 million, spanning a seven-year period.

The Resources and Development Committee continues pushing for proactive planning for fund deployment, advocating for timely allocation and expenditures for projects from the AIF. Since 2016, the Navajo Nation has received over $110 million through the program.

“When the Resources and Development Committee accepted the check on behalf of the Navajo Nation, it was a tremendous show of good faith in support of Navajo ranchers and also our farming projects on the Navajo Nation,” said RDC member Shawna Ann Claw.

The indemnity payment underscores the Navajo Nation's commitment to addressing agricultural challenges and fostering sustainable development within tribal communities. The Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture will continue to collaborate with the Navajo Nation Council to allocate resources toward vital infrastructure initiatives.

Information provided by the Navajo Nation Council.