September 3, 2002
Members of the U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator:
I am writing on behalf of the state commissioners, secretaries and directors of agriculture to express our strong support for emergency disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers. Assistance is necessary to help farmers, ranchers and their communities recoup from financial losses due to drought, floods and other natural disasters.
While crop insurance, disaster loans, emergency grazing and other programs are helpful; the relief needed is surpassing the levels these programs can provide. Each region of the country is experiencing some type of natural disaster and the costs to agriculture are mounting. For example, South Dakota State University has determined that the state of South Dakota alone has exceeded agricultural losses of $820 million and it is estimated that when all sectors of the economy are considered the state could incur total losses of $1.8 billion. Meanwhile, USDA reports that 48 percent of U.S. pasture lands are in very poor shape because of the continuing drought. The current agricultural disasters include regions facing crop destruction and reduced yields and quality due to flooding and increased incidences of crop pests and diseases. In the state of Montana, wheat farmers have faced a 62 percent decline in wheat production. Southeastern states, such as North Carolina, are confronting crop losses that are reaching $200 million. Specialty crops are also suffering due to adverse weather conditions. Apples, cherries and grapes in the Great Lakes and eastern states as well as Christmas trees in North Carolina suffered frost damage this season.
We understand several members of Congress have introduced legislation that could assist farmers and ranchers through these difficult conditions. Those efforts are to be commended, however, we ask that concrete actions be taken when Congress returns in September so the assistance can reach those experiencing such significant losses in a timely manner. As Congress decides on responsible levels of natural disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers, we would suggest that the Food Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 remain intact and not be changed. Current reports estimate that outlay reductions from the CCC due to unspent deficiency payments and counter cyclical payments could reach $6 billion. Consideration should be given to these outlay reductions as possible sources of funding.
Another program that has provided direct assistance to states and their producers during difficult times is the specialty crop state grant program that was funded by the Emergency Agricultural Economic Assistance Act (P.L. 107-25). The block grants enabled states and their constituencies to enhance competitiveness and increase visibility with buyers and consumers. We request that Congress approve future agricultural block grants to the States and permanently authorize the program.
We look forward to working with you to attain relief for our agricultural producers from weather-related disasters.
Sincerely,
Billy Ray Smith
Commissioner, Kentucky Department of Agriculture
NASDA President