South Iowa News

Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) has introduced a bipartisan bill, the Protecting Farmers from Natural Disasters Act, alongside Representative Don Davis (NC-01). The proposed legislation seeks to expand the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) program, giving rural communities more flexibility and tools for disaster recovery and preparation.

“When a natural disaster strikes, Iowa farmers need more than just a short-term fix,” said Rep. Nunn. “This bill gives producers the flexibility not only to repair damage, but to invest in long-term improvements that protect their land, strengthen our food supply, and reduce the impact of the next disaster before it happens.”

Iowa experienced significant agricultural losses last year after the Greenfield tornado caused over $31 million in damages. Weather-related events led to more than $430 million in crop insurance payouts statewide. These impacts affect not only local communities but also broader food and fuel supply chains across the country.

Amber Markham, Director of External Affairs at The Nature Conservancy, emphasized the importance of prevention: “This bill is critical for flood and water quality protection, because it allows us to take proactive measures to improve watersheds to mitigate future disasters. Improving the watershed beyond its pre-disaster condition is a smart, proactive approach to flood mitigation. Prevention will realize cost savings for Iowans long term.”

Julie Seger, Director of Policy and Government Relations at American Flood Coalition Action, noted support for updating current laws: “We commend Representatives Zach Nunn and Don Davis for introducing the Protecting Farmers from Natural Disasters Act. By updating current law to allow farmers to rebuild stronger post-disaster, this proposal would help prevent future destruction while delivering greater value for taxpayers. We appreciate both members’ bipartisan leadership to empower farmers and rural communities to recover faster from floods while boosting readiness for future disasters.”

Currently, the EWP Program focuses on restoring land only back to its pre-disaster state without permitting additional improvements aimed at preventing future damage. The new bill would enable USDA-supported projects that go beyond basic repairs by strengthening land against potential threats.

Rep. Davis highlighted how expanding these efforts benefits diverse regions: “The Protecting Farmers from Natural Disasters Act enhances the USDA’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program, equipping communities from coastal areas to inland counties with the resources needed for rapid recovery and preparedness for future storms,” he said.“Farmers, families, and agricultural lands in eastern North Carolina require robust support to recover from the challenges of flooding and hurricanes.”

Supporters say this legislative update builds on existing EWP successes by allowing farmers not only to recover but also better prepare their land against future disasters.