Peterson co-sponsors disaster legislation, but says it will be an “uphill battle”

(Washington, DC) - Congressman Collin Peterson (D-Minn) has signed onto legislation in the House that would provide financial help to farmers who suffered frost damage and crop losses in late August.

The disaster bill would set up an ad hoc disaster program similar to ones in the past that will cover producers who had losses of 35 percent or more. The bill stipulates different qualification procedures for producers who purchased crop insurance and for those who didn't.

“Edible beans were hit the hardest along with soybeans and corn,” Peterson said. “I have sent a letter to the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee asking that any forthcoming supplemental spending bill include money for agriculture assistance, but the Republicans have said they want a clean bill only for Florida. At this point, there's been no response from the Chairman.”

The two freezing nights caused 100 percent losses of some commodities in Minnesota's northern counties.

“ I have had calls from farmers in my district asking how the Bush Administration can ask for $225 million in direct assistance for citrus farmers in Florida, but not help the Midwesterners who have had weather losses that totaled $190 million,” Peterson said. “While our frost damage didn't get a lot of national attention, its impact is significant."

“The weather has been a problem throughout the year. We had late planting and now an early freeze. The only good news at this time is that nearly all farmers in the 7th District have purchased crop insurance,” Peterson said.

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