Supporting rural economies is key to US economy.

America’s economic well-being depends on the health of our farmlands and rural communities. As the nation’s fifth largest agricultural producing state, Minnesota is home to 67,500 farms that contribute almost $17 billion to our state economy each year. Rural communities that rely on an agriculture economy often see disproportionate impacts from natural disasters, market volatility, and global pandemics. These communities have unique needs, ranging from housing and infrastructure to health care and broadband access. We must give rural communities the tools they need to spur innovation, create jobs and opportunities, and confront these challenges.

The cyclical nature of agriculture means that farmers make large financial investments in their crops, livestock, buildings, and equipment and sometimes face heavy losses due to natural disasters and market circumstances beyond their control. As our weather becomes more extreme, farmers need greater support to survive climate-related disasters that have cost the farming economy hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years. I am committed to maintaining a strong, fair safety net for our farmers to help them get through disasters and periods of low prices.