WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) reintroduced the Federal Agriculture Risk Management Enhancement and Resilience (FARMER) Act, legislation that will strengthen crop insurance and make higher coverage levels more affordable. 

“Crop insurance is the number one risk management tool that farmers depend on,” said Rep. Finstad. “From record-setting droughts to last year’s historic flooding in southern Minnesota, farmers face challenges beyond their control. The FARMER Act will reduce the need for farmers to utilize ad-hoc assistance by making crop insurance coverage more accessible and affordable, ensuring that our farmers will be able to continue feeding and fueling the world, and pass their operations on to the next generation.”

Background:

Rep. Finstad initially introduced the FARMER Act in May 2024, during the 118^th Congress. Specifically, the FARMER Act would:

1. Increase premium support for higher levels of crop insurance coverage, which will enhance affordability and reduce the need for ad-hoc disaster assistance;
2. Improve the Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) by increasing premium support and expanding the coverage level, providing producers with an additional level of protection, and;
3. Direct the Risk Management Agency (RMA) to conduct a study to improve the effectiveness of SCO in larger counties.

Original cosponsors include Representatives Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Don Bacon (NE-02), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Adrian Smith (NE-03), and Ronny Jackson (TX-13). 

The FARMER Act is endorsed by the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Soybean Association, American Sugarbeet Growers Association, Farm Credit Council Crop Insurance Professionals Association, Crop Insurance and Reinsurance Bureau, Midwest Council on Agriculture, National Association of Wheat Growers, National Barley Growers Association, National Cotton Council, National Corn Growers Association, National Sunflower Association, Southwest Council of Agribusiness, U.S. Beet Sugar Association, U.S. Canola Association, U.S. Durum Growers Association, Western Peanut Growers Association, USA Dry Pea & Lentil, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, and Minnesota Farm Bureau.