Tommy Irvin, Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner, has requested a drought disaster declaration for Georgia’s farmers.
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“Pastures have dried up, hay supplies are short, and what row crops are left are being attacked by armyworms and other insects,” said Irvin. “What we need is a disaster declaration.
“We want our food, fibre and livestock producers, who are suffering, to be able to qualify for the existing programmes and emergency relief, as well as the emergency aid Congress is considering. We have farmers as bad off as those in the states already approved for emergency relief.”
Commissioner Irvin asked Governor Barnes to start the process for conducting damage assessment reports across the state. The Governor then makes the official request to the Secretary of Agriculture, who directs the state Farm Service Agency office to do the assessments. The State Emergency Board reviews the assessments for the disaster recommendation to the Secretary.
“After surveying parts of the state this week, I’ve found that a couple of inches of rain within the next two weeks will only make the difference between nothing and way below average yields. All crops are being affected, including our pecans and apples,” Irvin said. “Even those who are irrigating are running out of water. Their ponds are drying up and their wells are low.”
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By GlobalDataUS Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Ann Veneman announced earlier this week that USDA will use all existing authorised programs to expedite relief and help farmers and ranchers recover from crop losses due to drought conditions. Congress will consider additional drought relief when it returns from recess after Labour Day.
