WASHINGTON, D.C. [10/19/20]–U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) said that enrollment for two popular U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) safety net programs for the 2021 crop year recently opened. The Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Programs provide Minnesota agriculture producers with financial support when crop revenue and commodity prices fall below certain levels. Funding was authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill and is available through the USDA’s Farm Service Agency.
“The coronavirus pandemic has placed incredible stress on our farming communities,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “As the backbone of our economy, farmers throughout Minnesota and across the country deserve our support during periods of uncertainty like we are experiencing now. I worked to reauthorize and strengthen the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs in the 2018 Farm Bill to serve as critical safety net programs for Minnesota farmers, and I encourage eligible producers to sign up.”
“The pandemic has devastated thousands of Minnesota farmers and ranchers who have already endured years of low prices, weather disasters and trade disruptions,” said Sen. Smith. “I want to help provide stability and predictability to Minnesota ag during these unsettling times. I fought for these programs to be improved in the 2018 Farm Bill in order to protect our producers from unforeseen losses. I encourage eligible Minnesotans to sign up.”
The Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) program provides income support payments on historical base acres when actual crop revenue declines below a specified guarantee level. The Price Loss Coverage (PLC) program provides income support payments on historical base acres when the price for a covered commodity falls below its effective reference price. Enrollment will continue through March 15, 2021. For more information, access the USDA’s ARC and PLC webpage here.
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