FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 17, 1997
CONTACT: Dana Hagerty 202/225-2165
WASHINGTON, DC -- Congressman Collin C. Peterson (DFL-7th District) today brought up several disaster-related issues during a conversation with Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman.
"I had a chance to speak with Secretary Glickman this afternoon, and during that time we discussed several different issues that my constituents in the 7th District have been concerned with," Peterson said. "First and foremost, we discussed the devastating agricultural losses -- livestock losses, grain losses due to flooding bins, potato damage -- and many other problems that have come about as a result of widespread flooding and extensive power outages. Many farmers will be dealing with the aftermath of this disaster for the next several months. In fact there is much damage that has not even been assessed yet.
"I asked Glickman for assistance with these issues and asked him to look for other ways relief can be provided to 7th district farmers."
Another issue raised during the conversation was a technical fix needed in the crop insurance program . The Non-Standard Classification formula has meant higher rates and less coverage for many farmers in the district because of previous disasters.
"I asked the Secretary to consider making an adjustment to the formula to stop penalizing area farmers for natural disasters," Peterson said.
The Secretary expressed his deepest concern for the enormous loss that many producers face, and assured Peterson that USDA will continue to work with him to provide relief. Peterson also asked Glickman to visit the 7th District when the water goes down.