Peace Garden News

Senator John Hoeven conducted discussions today with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins in North Dakota. The meetings provided a platform for farmers, ranchers, agricultural researchers, and agribusinesses to present their input as work on the upcoming farm bill progresses. Hoeven emphasized the necessity of integrating the farm into the farm bill and advocated for more investment in the farm safety net.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is actively processing applications for $10 billion in market-based disaster assistance, a fund that Hoeven helped secure in year-end legislation. So far, over $5.8 billion has been distributed, with approximately $480 million allocated to North Dakota producers. Additionally, USDA has announced $6 million in disaster relief for rural electric infrastructure damaged by natural events in the state.

Hoeven also acknowledged the state's pioneering role in precision agriculture technologies and secured backing for local initiatives like Grand Farm. He has secured $6 million between Fiscal Years 2022-2025 for the AgTech Cooperative Agreement involving North Dakota State University, Grand Farm, and the Agricultural Research Service.

As chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee and a senior Senate Agriculture Committee member, Hoeven invited Rollins to visit following her recent confirmation. "North Dakota is an ag powerhouse today, and we’re making sure that, through innovation and good farm policy, our leadership in this vital sector continues to grow," Hoeven stated. He underscored the need for effective farm safety nets to support small family farms and highlighted the role of institutions like NDSU and Grand Farm in introducing cost-reducing technologies.

Hoeven is focused on passing a farm bill that addresses producers' critical needs. This includes improving crop insurance, enhancing counter-cyclical safety nets such as the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs, and modernizing Farm Service Agency loan limits. The farm bill aims to bolster livestock disaster programs and ensure voluntary, farmer-friendly programs.

Following Hoeven's advocacy efforts, the USDA unveiled details for the $10 billion market-based assistance and is preparing to advance $21 billion in weather-related assistance for 2023 and 2024. This includes $2 billion earmarked for livestock producers affected by wildfires. Applications for assistance can be submitted online or at local FSA offices, with additional resources available on the USDA’s website.