Klobuchar, Franken, Bachmann, Walz Announce USDA Disaster Declaration for Minnesota Counties Affected by Late Frost
Today, U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Reps. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) and Tim Walz (D-Minn.) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a disaster declaration for counties in Minnesota affected by freezing temperatures in April. This declaration means that farmers in the affected counties are now eligible for emergency loan assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to cover losses.
"The freezing temperatures earlier this year put an incredible strain on our farmers," Klobuchar said. "Today's action is an important step in helping our producers recover. I will continue to fight to move forward the 5-year Farm Bill that the Senate passed in June, which includes critical programs to support Minnesota's farmers and give them much-needed certainty in the coming year."
"In April, Minnesota farmers were hit by a frost that caused them to lose just-planted crops," said Sen. Franken. "This declaration will help affected farmers get back on their feet. Spring frosts are a risk farmers face every year - that's why I'm fighting to get a Farm Bill passed so our farmers will get the certainty they need to plan for next year."
"While farmers have every right to be frustrated that the Farm Bill is stalled in Congress, this declaration will provide at least some relief to Minnesota farmers affected by the April frost," said Rep. Bachmann.
"This important action by the USDA can help give farmers and ranchers some peace of mind during this difficult time," said Walz. "What rural America needs now more than ever is certainty. That is why I continue to call on House leadership to bring forward the bipartisan five-year Farm Bill in the U.S. House without further delay. I will keep fighting to give certainty to our farmers and ranchers."
The declaration designates Fillmore, Jackson, and Wright counties as primary disaster areas. Anoka, Carver, Cottonwood, Hennepin, Houston, McLeod, Martin, Meeker, Mower, Nobles, Olmsted, Sherburne, Sterns, Watonwan, and Winona counties have also been designated as contiguous disaster counties.
