This discussion outline describes the Canadian Net Income Stabilization Account (NISA) concept; provides comparisons to U.S. proposals for Farm and Ranch Risk Management (FARRM) and Individual Risk Management Accounts (IRMA); and compares these concepts to other selected policy options with respect to the counter-cyclical nature of payments and planting flexibility criteria. Staff Paper 333 embodies the discussion outline used by the author in presentation to the National Commission for 21st century Production Agriculture. The 1996 FAIR Act established the Commission to develop recommendations on future U.S. Farm Policy for the Congress and the President prior to expiration of the current farm policy.