Etheridge Tours Gulf Coast

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

October 17, 2005

Contact: Joanne Peters
Phone: (202) 225-4531

Etheridge Tours Gulf Coast

Congressman Warns of Hurricanes' Effects on N.C. Agriculture

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) warned today of the possible devastating effects hurricanes Katrina and Rita could have on North Carolina, a day after he visited Louisiana to tour the damage and recovery efforts. Etheridge serves on the U.S. House Agriculture Committee and is North Carolina's only member of the Homeland Security Committee.

"Although the pictures on television show the damage in New Orleans, this is only one part of the hurricanes' effects. Thousands of rural Americans lost their homes, their belongings and their livelihoods," said Etheridge. "The damage that was caused by both of these storms is going to have a major impact on agriculture in the immediate region, as well as agriculture in the rest of the country over the next few years. It will affect all Americans: from the food you prepare for dinner, to the sugar in your coffee, to the high prices at the gas pump."

Etheridge traveled with other members of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture. The delegation visited port facilities, viewed crop and livestock loss, examined food distribution at food banks and met with agricultural producers. Preliminary estimates by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) attribute $882 million in total crop, livestock and aquaculture losses to Hurricane Katrina.

Etheridge first visited the port facilities on the Mississippi River. Seventy percent of the country's grain moves through the river and hundreds of barges in the region are unable to be moved or unloaded. If the barges are not moved soon their contents, such as corn and grain, will perish.

"This could have a big impact on rural North Carolina," said Etheridge. "If feed grain prices go through the roof, it could hit our production of hogs and poultry hard, causing a ripple effect throughout rural North Carolina's economy."

Etheridge also visited the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana which has served 23 Louisiana parishes for the past 22 years.

Next Etheridge took an aerial tour of the Lafayette area to assess the damage done to cropland and livestock pastures. The damage extended for several miles beyond the coast and most of the land showed severe damage from wind, rain and saltwater.

At the final stop, Etheridge met with producers who discussed the problems and challenges they are facing and their need for congressional assistance. Among these individuals were representatives from the cotton, grain, cattle, forestry, fruit and vegetable, seafood and other industries.

"The federal government must provide assistance to these communities so that rural Americans in the gulf can rebuild their lives, and also so that the nation may be ensured a safe and sufficient food supply," said Etheridge.

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