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U.S.
Senator Member: Agriculture, Energy, Veterans' Affairs, Ethics and Aging Committees |
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For Immediate
Release August 29, 2006 |
CONTACT: Cody Wertz – Comm. Director 303-455-7600 Andrew Nannis – Press Secretary 202-224-5852 |
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DENVER, CO – United States Senator Ken Salazar today responded to an announcement of emergency drought funding from Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns. “While Secretary Johanns’ announcement today is welcome news to those who are eligible for assistance, unfortunately, the funding announced today is not nearly enough, especially for Colorado’s farmers and ranchers who have been facing severe disasters for the past 6 years,” said Senator Salazar. “For example, estimates show that Colorado winter wheat producers can expect to lose approximately $100 million this year alone - yet, Colorado will receive a tiny fraction of that in emergency aid. I am skeptical of the Administration's drought assistance distribution; in Colorado the drought has been at least as bad as in other impacted states and no less severe yet only 16 of our 60 emergency area declared counties will receive funding. In a crisis such as this any help is appreciated, but Colorado’s farmers and ranchers need and deserve equitable support from the federal government if they are to be expected to continue to put food on our nation’s tables.” Earlier today, Secretary Johanns announced $780 million in assistance to help all farmers and ranchers nationwide manage drought and weather related production challenges. Colorado producers will receive a percentage of that funding, but it will not equate to the loss they have incurred over the last 6 years of drought.
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