Senators Klobuchar, Smith Encourage Minnesota Farmers to Sign Up for Key Safety Net Programs

Press Release

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (both D-MN) urged Minnesota farmers to enroll in key agricultural safety net programs for the 2023 crop year. Producers have until March 15, 2023 to enroll in in the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, which help protect farmers from unexpected market volatility.

"The Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs help provide our farmers with a strong safety net and much-needed stability in the event of volatile commodity markets," said Klobuchar. " I encourage all eligible farmers to reach out to their local Farm Service Agency and apply for assistance before the March 15 deadline."

"While market prices have been good for Minnesota farmers, recent history tells us it's important to be prepared for anything," said Smith. "Whether it's the pandemic, Putin's war in Ukraine, or climate-fueled extreme weather, unexpected shocks to the market can be devastating for Minnesota farmers and our local economy. That's why safety net programs like ARC and PLC are so important -- they provide farmers the security they need to navigate market volatility. I encourage Minnesota farmers to contact their local USDA Service Center and sign up for these programs before the March 15 deadline."

The ARC and PLC programs are part of a broader safety net provided by USDA, which also includes crop insurance and marketing assistance loans.  The ARC and PLC safety net programs were first authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill and reauthorized by the 2018 Farm Bill. Farmers can enroll in a variety of programs to meet their needs, from crop-by-crop protection to coverage that protects the entire farm.

Covered commodities include barley, canola, large and small chickpeas, corn, crambe, flaxseed, grain sorghum, lentils, mustard seed, oats, peanuts, dry peas, rapeseed, long grain rice, medium and short grain rice, safflower seed, seed cotton, sesame, soybeans, sunflower seed and wheat. 

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