Dear Secretary Vilsack:
We write on behalf of New York's farmers and rural communities who are experiencing devastating losses caused by this year's early extreme snowfall and ask that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) take immediate action to make all necessary resources available in the event of a Secretarial Disaster Declaration. Additionally, we request that USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) immediately works with farmers and local partners to assist them in navigating the available resources offered in the wake of a natural disaster, such as this most recent extreme snowfall.
In some areas, as much as eight feet of snow has accumulated on farms across Western New York. This extreme snowfall has resulted in the collapse of barn roofs and greenhouses. Additionally, dairy farmers have been struggling with milk haulers not being able to access their farms due to impassable road conditions and this is forcing farmers to dump milk. Since this storm came early in the year, there is fear that temperatures will rise and snowmelt will cause flooding in the impacted area and additional damage.
As you know, the 2014 Farm Bill permanently reauthorized the Tree Assistance Program (TAP), Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP), and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, & Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP). We encourage USDA to work expeditiously to both help farmers apply to these programs and process their claims. In the event of a Secretarial Disaster Declaration, farmers will be able to access low interest emergency USDA loans and have the possibility of enrolling in the Disaster Set-Aside Program to help farmers get through these tough times. Since we anticipate that severe damage will be sustained, farmers will require the quick action of USDA to approve emergency disaster loans and disaster program applications to mitigate the cash flow problems that occur after losses due to inclement weather.
Again, we are asking that the USDA take action now to prepare all resources needed to quickly determine a disaster declaration and assist farmers and growers in readying the necessary documentation to report losses. New York's agricultural industry provides a livelihood for many and is the economic engine of our rural communities across the state. We appreciate your consideration of this important request.
Sincerely,
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
Representative Brian Higgins
Representative Chris Collins