Peace Garden News

U.S. Senators John Hoeven and Amy Klobuchar have reintroduced the Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement (PACE) Act, aiming to improve access to credit for farmers and ranchers by updating loan limits in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. The senators are advocating for the inclusion of this legislation in the upcoming farm bill, emphasizing its importance during a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing.

Senator Hoeven highlighted the necessity of aligning loan limits with current agricultural costs: “It’s essential that the loan limits in these programs reflect the real-world costs faced by our ag producers." He expressed commitment to ensuring these updates are part of the next farm bill.

Senator Klobuchar noted the financial challenges faced by American farmers: “Too many American farmers and producers operate on razor-thin margins. Having access to credit can often mean the difference between economic viability and financial hardship.” She stressed that expanding credit opportunities would strengthen rural economies nationwide.

The PACE Act proposes several changes, including increasing loan limitations for Farm Service Agency's Direct and Guaranteed Loan Programs. For example, direct operating loans would rise from $400,000 to $750,000, while guaranteed ownership loans would increase from $2.25 million to $3 million. Additionally, it adjusts inflation benchmarks and aligns down payment programs with current loan limitations.

Numerous agricultural organizations support the PACE Act, including the American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union. These groups recognize its potential impact on providing essential capital for farming operations amid rising production costs.

In parallel efforts within the House of Representatives, Representative Brad Finstad emphasized how crucial updated FSA loan limits are for Minnesota farmers facing contemporary challenges: “Farmers across southern Minnesota...rely on dependable financing options."

Representative Angie Craig underscored farming's inherent volatility: “Farming is volatile work...That’s why I’m working across the aisle to help give Minnesota’s farmers...the certainty they need.”

Christy Seyfert from Farm Credit Council praised Senators Hoeven and Klobuchar's initiative: "We look forward to collaborating with both senators to include this essential legislation in the Farm Bill."

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew also expressed support: "Access to credit is essential for farmers...this bill takes an important step of updating FSA loan limits."