May 22, 2018
North Caroliina producer appointed by Perdue to FCIC board

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue appointed Michael Clemens of Wimbledon, North Dakota to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) Board of Directors (Board). Clemens will serve a four-year term of office.

The FCIC Board oversees the federal crop insurance program, managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA). The Board reviews crop insurance products presented by outside parties and RMA, and determines which programs will best help farmers and ranchers. Crop insurance provides protection against a loss in production due to natural perils such as adverse weather conditions, insects or plant disease, or wildlife.

“The FCIC Board plays an important role in ensuring farmers and ranchers have access to crop insurance products that meet their needs,” said Martin Barbre, FCIC manager and Administrator for RMA. “I appreciate the FCIC Board’s advice and expertise regarding risk management tools and processes.”

The Federal Crop Insurance Act requires that non-USDA Board members represent core groups involved in managing farm risk. This includes four producers, at least one of whom is a specialty crop producer; one individual involved in insurance (often an agent); and one individual knowledgeable about reinsurance or regulation. The act also requires that the four producer Board members come from diverse geographic areas and represent a cross-section of agricultural commodities.

Michael Clemens has operated his family farm in Wimbledon for more than 40 years and is a customer of the federal crop insurance program. He has served on the National Sunflower Board, chaired the North Dakota Oil Seed Council, and served on the North Dakota Corn Growers Association Board. He is currently the Director for the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE).

FCIC promotes the economic stability of agriculture through a sound system of crop insurance and by providing the means for research and experience helpful in developing such insurance. Management is vested in the FCIC Board subject to the general supervision of the Secretary of Agriculture. The FCIC Board is responsible for maintaining and creating new programs for risk management and risk mitigation in agriculture.

For more information, visit: https://www.rma.usda.go




Current Issue

VGN April Cover

Insect Eavesdropper allows growers to “hear” what’s happening in fields

Managing wildlife on the farm

Southwest Florida’s Worden Farm manages challenges

Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association says farewell to leader

Southeast Regional Show recognizes leaders

Veg Connections: Biopesticides and beneficial insects

Business: Why do most succession plans fail?

60 years of advocating for agricultural employers

Keeping CSA members engaged and loyal

see all current issue »

Be sure to check out our other specialty agriculture brands

produceprocessingsm Organic Grower