By Scout Nelson
Senator John Hoeven continues working with federal agriculture leaders to support farmers facing economic pressures, natural disasters, and trade challenges. Hoeven recently held a roundtable discussion with agriculture producers, commodity groups, and Richard Fordyce from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The meeting focused on current efforts to strengthen the farm economy and provide producers with additional support during difficult market conditions. Discussions included crop insurance improvements, farm safety net programs, prevent plant coverage, and trade issues affecting sugar producers.
USDA currently implements enhancements to the farm safety net that Hoeven helped pass through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. These updates include stronger crop insurance protections and increased reference prices for Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs. Leaders expect these improvements to help producers manage difficult conditions more effectively over the long term.
Hoeven also continues working to secure additional agriculture assistance in the short term. Efforts include expanding the Farmer Bridge Assistance program to cover more producer losses, support specialty crop and sugar producers, include prevented planting acres, and provide weather-related assistance for 2025 and 2026 losses. Discussions also include increasing farm ownership and operating loan limits.
Another major topic involves restoring buy-up coverage for prevent plant acres. Hoeven continues working with Senate Agriculture Committee members and USDA officials to restore this option, which helps provide additional protection when weather conditions prevent planting.
Trade challenges facing sugar producers also remain a priority. Hoeven previously supported a Section 301 investigation into foreign trade practices affecting U.S. sugar markets. He also continues working with USDA agencies and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to address imports of sugared molasses that may avoid existing sugar tariffs.
“Our farmers are facing a wide range of difficulties that undermine their ability to keep their operations afloat. We appreciate Under Secretary Fordyce for agreeing to visit the state, talk with our producers and outline how we’re working to give them the support and tools they need to get through this tough stretch,” said Hoeven.
Categories: North Dakota, Government & Policy, Rural Lifestyle