WIMBLEDON, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that Michael Clemens, a farmer from Wimbledon, has been appointed to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) Board of Directors.

Heitkamp urged U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue to appoint Clemens to the FCIC in a letter last month.

“As we continue to work on a bipartisan Farm Bill to support North Dakota producers, it’s critical that we have members of the FCIC who understand crop insurance and its importance to farmers dealing with drought and other disasters,” Heitkamp said. “I urged Secretary Perdue to appoint Mike because he is passionate about agriculture, has a deep understanding of these issues, and is a proven leader in his community. I look forward to working with Mike as I fight to pass and implement a strong Farm Bill and support North Dakota agriculture.”

For over 40 years, Clemens has operated his family farm in Wimbledon, gaining a deep understanding of the regional and national agriculture industry. He has served as president or on the board of directors for numerous state and national commodity groups, and in leadership roles within his local community.

The FCIC Board oversees the federal crop insurance program, managed by the USDA’s 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.