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Smith, Wyden Announce Emergency
Agriculture Aid
Oregon Farmers, Ranchers to Receive Funds
for Drought, Flooding
March 17, 2004
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today,
Senators Gordon Smith (R-OR) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) announced that
the U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing $620,500 through
the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to Oregon farmers and
ranchers facing the consequences of natural disaster.
“This aid is another
clear example of the Bush Administration’s steadfast support
of American family farmers,” Smith said. “Oregon’s
farmers and ranchers deserve that, especially when facing unforeseeable
disaster.”
“The damages and
losses caused by flood and drought can threaten the livelihoods
of farmers and ranchers,” said Wyden. “This federal
assistance will help provide relief and a chance at a future for
Oregon farmers and ranchers who have faced a devastating blow.”
The funds include $604,000 in
drought relief and $16,500 for flood victims. The program provides
for technical assistance to help producers remove debris from
farmland, restore fences and conservation structures, provide
water for livestock in drought and grade and shape farmland damaged
by natural disaster. Producers should contact their local Farm
Service Agency (FSA) county committee regarding sign-up periods.
The FSA committees determine producer eligibility based on on-site
inspections of damage.
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