10/22/02
Congressman Bob Ehrlich (Md.-2nd District) announced Oct. 18 that 21 Maryland counties will be designated natural disaster areas by the USDA. The federal action, taken by Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman, is in response to farm production losses caused by prolonged drought and excessive heat.
Ehrlich, Maryland’s ranking Republican, was given the honor of announcing the decision by the Republic Adminstration in Washington.
“Today’s announcement is a sorely-needed win for Maryland’s livestock and crop producers. Like President Bush, I believe we are obligated to assist farmers whose production is hit by insurmountable drought and heat,” Ehrlich said.
The disaster assistance declaration was made after the Department of Agriculture reviewed Damage Assessment Reports for 21 impacted counties in Maryland. Based on this review, it was determined that all 21 counties sustained sufficient production losses to warrant Secretarial disaster designation.
Funding will be provided through Emergency Loan Assistance (EM Loans) and the Livestock Compensation Program. The low-interest EM loans will help producers (both livestock and crop) recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters, or quarantine.
The Livestock Compensation Program is open to owners of cattle, sheep, and goat producers in counties that have received primary disaster designation due to drought in 2001 or 2002. Steve Connelly, Maryland FSA executive director, said livestock producers should visit their local FSA office to sign up for the program. It is expected that more than $2 million will come into Maryland through the program.
Maryland’s producers can certify with the Department of Agriculture the number of eligible animals owned as of June 1, 2002. The animals must have been owned for ninety days or more before and/or after June 1. Payment will be determined by multiplying the number of eligible animals by the respective payment rate. Payments should be available shortly after a producer signs up. “This program will provide immediate assistance to producers who need it the most,” said Ann Veneman, Secretary of Agriculture. “The Bush Administration continues to use every available tool to provide disaster assistance to Americ’'s farmers and ranchers who have been struck by severe drought conditions.”
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