CONGRESSMAN COLLIN C. PETERSON Minnesota - 7th District http://www.house.gov/collinpeterson/ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 6, 1998 CONTACT: Dana Hagerty 202/225-2165 Support Builds for Peterson CRP Disaster Bill WASHINGTON, DC – At a House Agriculture Committee meeting today, Congressman Collin C. Peterson (DFL-7th District) garnered additional support for his plan to use CRP for disaster areas that have been repeatedly hit with scab or vomitoxin. "I am pleased that my colleagues are beginning to understand the significance of the farm crisis our area is facing," Peterson said. "Many believe that allowing this land to enroll in CRP and allow the disease cycle time to end is a good idea." According to Peterson, Chairman Smith reiterated his support for the CRP plan and other Members of the committee expressed their support for the idea as well. Shortly after the meeting, Peterson joined Smith and others in writing a letter to Secretary Glickman asking him to use his current authority with CRP to alleviate some of the problems faced in the Northern Plains area. "I believe this is one of the most important ways we can help farmers in Northwest Minnesota," Peterson continued. "CRP would allow landowners to break the disease cycle and provide an income stream while conserving the resources." The Peterson bill would require USDA to give priority to cropland that is in a county that has been declared a disaster 3 out of 5 years and land that is in an area repeatedly infected with scab or vomitoxin. Peterson is currently working to increase the number of supporters of the bill which he hopes will see action in September or October. -30-