S. 231 — WEATHER Act of 2025

This section directs the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to conduct research and development, or contract for such work, on a single index insurance policy (i.e., using weather indices correlated with agricultural income losses, such as high winds, excessive moisture or flooding, extreme heat, abnormal freeze conditions, wildfire, hail, drought, or other severe weather affecting small-scale farmers) to indemnify producers for losses from covered crops or commodities (i.e., any agricultural crop or commodity on a farm except timber, forest products, animals for sport or show, and pets). Coverage must be available nationwide, including all states, territories, and Indian Tribes; permit policyholders to buy up to 150% or buy down to 5% (in 5% increments) of median county-level farm adjusted gross income, with buy-up limited to farms with at least three covered crops or commodities; prioritize features such as indemnifying all covered losses (including on-farm packing), payments within 30 days of a triggering event, seasonal coverage periods, accommodations for farms under $350,000 in adjusted gross income and underserved producers, and reduced paperwork; and incorporate stakeholder input and actuarial expertise. Not later than one year after enactment, the Corporation must issue a public report to Congress on the results, challenges, and recommendations. Subsection (b) makes a technical amendment to correct a cross-reference in the definition of socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher in section 531(a)(18) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act.