Tanner Asks USDA To Approve Bredesen's Drought Disaster Request For Farmers

Press Release

TANNER ASKS USDA TO APPROVE BREDESEN'S DROUGHT DISASTER REQUEST FOR FARMERS

U.S. Rep. John Tanner asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to approve Gov. Phil Bredesen's request for an agricultural disaster declaration for all 95 counties due to an ongoing drought. Tanner joined Tennessee's two U.S. Senators and seven other Congressmen in a letter to Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns.

"We are writing to urge you to approve the State of Tennessee's request for an agricultural disaster declaration for all 95 counties across Tennessee as a result of the effects of a continuing drought," their July 12 letter said. "Governor Phil Bredesen is requesting the declaration so that qualifying farmers would be able to receive low-interest emergency loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), along with any other assistance that might be approved by Congress.

"According to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the five-month period of January through May 2007 was the driest such period in Tennessee in 118 years. Many of our livestock producers have sold entire herds due to a lack of hay and watering sources. Additionally, specialty crop producers, who already experienced significant losses in the April freeze, are now suffering from the drought. Though the extent of the damage has not yet been determined, most farmers will need a full season to recover.

"Thank you for your consideration of Tennessee's request for assistance. Please feel free to contact our offices should any additional information be needed."

Tanner signed the letter along with Sens. Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, and Congressmen Marsha Blackburn, Steve Cohen, David Davis, Lincoln Davis, John Duncan, Bart Gordon and Zach Wamp.

Tanner represents Tennessee's 8th Congressional district in west and middle Tennessee. He serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and as chairman of the U.S. delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly.

Source