US Government Stepping in to Provide Relief to Farmers
By Joe Dales, Farms.com
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack held a press conference in Washington on Wednesday to speak about the steps being taken to support the farmers who are experiencing severe drought.
With drought and heat wave conditions continuing to damage crops in almost two-thirds of the lower 48 states, Vilsack is seeking the help of Congress. Vilsack has proceeded to make a congressional request looking to pass a five-year, 500-billion dollar farm and nutrition bill to provide additional disaster relief for the ruined crops. The bill has been passed by the Senate but there is yet to be a vote on it in the House.
The U.S. is currently experiencing the worst drought in 56 years and a third of the counties are now eligible for federal help but it’s not only the rural communities that will feel the effect of the excessive heat and drought.
"Part of the problem we're facing is that weather conditions were so good at the beginning of the season that farmers got in the field early, and as a result this drought comes at a very difficult and painful time in their ability to have their crops have good yield," says Vilsack.
Vilsack is reassured that processed food inflation will not spike and the increase will not likely happen until next year. He also warns consumers to be aware that if an increase in food prices begins now that it is not in relation to the drought and they should be careful that food companies are not just taking advantage of this difficult situation.
After listening to the press conference, Market Analyst, Moe Agostino of Farms.com, Risk Management states that, “It’s surprising how few tools the government actually has to help farmers, they may have to end up reducing grain exports but the effects of this won’t be felt until next September, no matter what, it’s a tough situation, we are going to have higher grain, feed and food prices.”
Moving forward USDA officials will continue to tour throughout the states and help to make all qualified farm operators in the areas eligible for low-interest emergency loans maintain thorough records of their losses for government and crop insurance purposes. Vilsack and the USDA commend the productivity, resiliency and resourcefulness of American farmers and pray for rain and a change in conditions.