Governor Perdue Requests USDA Disaster Declaration

ATLANTA (April 13, 2007) – Governor Sonny Perdue today requested that U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Mike Johanns expedite the review of damage reports stemming from the frigid temperatures that hit the state last weekend and harmed much of Georgia's crops. Governor Perdue also asks the Secretary to designate eligible counties as agriculture disaster counties, enabling Georgia farmers to have access to low-interest loans and other federal assistance as quickly as possible. 

   "The record cold temperatures have had a serious economic impact on our agriculture industry. Farmers and farming communities throughout the state are suffering because of the adverse weather we experienced," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "With the disaster declaration, Georgia farmers will be able to receive the assistance they need." 

   The Georgia USDA State Emergency Board will meet May 8th to review the damage assessment reports submitted by County Emergency Boards, reflecting production losses in peaches, blueberries, wheat, pecans, tobacco and various other fruits and vegetables. The findings will be forwarded to USDA identifying the counties that are eligible to be declared USDA Secretarial Disaster areas. 

   If the disaster declaration is issued, farmers in all primary and contiguous disaster counties will be able to apply for low interest emergency loans at their local Farm Service Agency office.