December 14, 2007
December 14, 2007 - The American Sheep Industry Association, along with 38 other national agriculture organizations, sent a letter to the members of the U.S. Senate encouraging them to vote against an amendment to the Farm Bill offered by Sen. Judd Gregg (N.H.). The amendment would eliminate the supplemental disaster assistance program.
Each year, weather-related disasters are likely to occur in many communities across the country. While ad hoc assistance has always been appreciated in the past, the 2007 Farm Bill presents an opportunity to establish a predictable program for future disasters.
A standing disaster program will ensure a consistent and reliable implementation strategy is in place for any future weather-related disaster. Furthermore, the program works in concert with current risk management programs, such as crop insurance and the Noninsured Assistance Program, by requiring producers to purchase coverage and providing an incentive to purchase higher levels of coverage.
Many of the organizations have expressed strong support of ad hoc disaster assistance in the past but have witnessed the increasing difficulty in securing help. Earlier this year, Congress approved emergency ad hoc disaster assistance for losses that occurred in 2005, 2006 or 2007. Unfortunately, the assistance is just now reaching producers for losses sustained in 2005.
Staff contact: Peter Orwick, ext. 33
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