The disaster request was announced today by Governor John Baldacci. It cites extensive crop and storage losses that potato and corn farmers have suffered due to excessive rainfall during the growing season. If approved, Maine potato and corn farmers would be eligible for disaster aid for crop losses suffered during the disaster period. The disaster period would begin on June 1, 2003, continuing to the present date.
"Excessive rainfall is just as devastating to potato and corn farms as would be an excessive drought," said the delegation in a joint statement. "Maine farmers were already struggling to cope with a weak market. This over saturation of rain destroyed any chance they had at a profitable season. We need to help these farmers as soon as possible in order to keep their businesses viable for the future."
Snowe, Collins, and Michaud are sending a formal letter of support to USDA Secretary Ann Veneman asking that she approve the disaster request and expedite efforts to bring financial aid to Maine farmers.