Hoeven Calls on USDA to Ensure Timely Implementation of Supplemental Coverage Option for All Eligible Producers

Press Release

Senator John Hoeven today called on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to implement the 2014 farm bill's new Supplemental Coverage Option (SCO) in a timely fashion for all eligible producers. In a letter to Vilsack, Hoeven raised concerns about USDA's current timeline in which SCO will only be available for certain counties and crops during the 2015 crop year.

SCO is an enhanced crop insurance program that enables agricultural producers to purchase a supplemental insurance policy beyond their individual farm-based policy. As a member of the farm bill conference committee as well as the Senate Agriculture Committee, Senator Hoeven played a key role in the passage of the 2014 farm bill, which included the authorization of SCO and required that the program be available by the 2015 crop year.

"We worked hard to pass a strong farm bill that provides our farmers and ranchers with good options for managing risk," said Hoeven. "I am asking Secretary Vilsack to use his authority to ensure that SCO is available to all of our eligible producers on time so they have the certainty they need to plan for the coming crop years."

Source