Jun 1, 2012
Michigan requests disaster assistance

Gov. Rick Snyder has requested federal disaster assistance from USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack for the farmers in Michigan counties who are facing substantial crop losses due to extreme weather conditions.

Fruit losses were particularly impacted by high temperatures followed by freezing temperatures. Other weather conditions, including excessive snow, blizzards, high winds, hail, tornadoes, flooding, excessive rain and lightning that occurred between Jan. 1 and May 11 have also impacted farms and are part of the disaster declaration request, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).

“Our farming community members are looking at large crop losses – currently estimated at $223.5 million. Michigan’s food and agriculture producers have a substantial impact on the economy, and it is important those farmers have access to additional resources, such as low-interest loans,” Snyder said. “We will be working closely with our state and federal partners to provide assistance to Michigan’s farmers, food processors and fresh-market producers to help keep their businesses moving forward during this difficult time.”

Seventy-two counties in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas have experienced severe weather, which has been most devastating to the state’s fruit and asparagus crop production. MDARD is working with the USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to monitor the damage. FSA is expecting to compile and complete crop damage estimates by July 1.

Original crop loss estimates must be verified from harvest yield data, and if losses of 30 percent or more are confirmed, the disaster request will be granted. The disaster request will give eligible state producers access to FSA’s low-interest emergency loan program for up to 100 percent of their weather-related agriculture production losses.

For more information on the federal emergency farm loan programs, visit the FSA website.


Tags:


Current Issue

On-farm AI: Water, farm, labor research guide decisions

Data collection tool expands farm management

Carmel Valley winegrapes: Parsonage Village Vineyard

IFTA Yakima Valley tour provides orchard insights

IFTA recognizes tree fruit honorees

Pennsylvania recognizes fruit industry professionals

Fresh Views 40 Under 40

see all current issue »

Be sure to check out our other specialty agriculture brands

produceprocessingsm Organic Grower